Systems and methods for improved cargo dolly for remote cargo holding pins for a cargo dolly

ABSTRACT

An improved cargo dolly for transporting cargo is described having a mobile dolly frame, a main shaft on the frame, a lever proximate to a first part of the frame (where the lever is movable relative to the frame and in responsive communication with the main shaft), a first set of transfer sprockets mounted to the main shaft, a secondary shaft rotatably disposed at a second part of the frame (where the first part is remote from the second part), a second set of transfer sprockets mounted to the secondary shaft, a chain disposed about the first set of transfer sprockets and the second set of transfer sprockets, and a locking pin having a first end fixed to the secondary shaft and a second end configured as an angled latch. Rotation of the lever responsively causes the locking pin to remotely rotate at the second part of the frame.

PRIORITY APPLICATION

The present application hereby claims the benefit of priority to relatedU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/712,541 and related parentU.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/515,082 (now U.S.Pat. No. 11,433,935) and Ser. No. 17/850,024 and entitled “Systems andMethods for Improved Remote Cargo Holding Pins for a Cargo Dolly.”

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to systems, apparatus, andmethods in the field of logistics vehicles and, more particularly, tovarious aspects of systems, apparatus, and methods related to improveddesigns of cargo tractor and associated dollies using one or more pinsto be dropped or moved on the cargo tractor dolly.

BACKGROUND

Logistics ground support equipment (GSE) is commonly known to includecargo tractors and dollies, which are used to transport cargo (e.g.,packages, containers, palletized material, and the like). Whentransporting cargo on the dolly, there is a need to secure the cargo inplace to make sure the cargo stays in place while on the dolly to ensuresafe transport of the cargo as well as to help ensure the safety ofoperators of the ground support equipment.

However, when loading cargo on the dolly, there may be safety issues asthe cargo (e.g., a container) is loaded from a separate container loaderonto the cargo dolly. Typically, logistics personnel may be instructednot to walk between a cargo dolly and a container loader while the mainplatform of the loader is in use. However, before a container can bepushed from a loaded dolly to an aircraft loader, the pins on the sideof a conventional cargo dolly facing the aircraft loader need to bedropped. Conventionally, a human would need to traverse the gap betweenthe side of the cargo dolly and the aircraft loader in order to drop thefurther post pin. This poses safety risks to logistics personnel.Complicating this further, delays in loading are undesirable and mayoften cause logistics personnel to disregard instructions, whichcompromises their safety in an effort to speed up the loading andunloading work.

To address one or more of these types of problems, there is a need for atechnical solution that may be deployed to enhance ways to allow forremote dropping of one or more of the cargo holding pins on a cargodolly in an improved and enhanced manner that improves systemperformance and helps reduce safety risk to logistics personnel involvedin loading and unloading operations as well as potential damage toground support equipment. In particular, what is described are variousexemplary types of methods and systems where a cargo dolly may bedesigned or retrofit so as to allow for remotely actuating cargo holdingpins in novel and unconventional ways.

SUMMARY

In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments willbecome evident. It should be understood that the aspects andembodiments, in their broadest sense, could be practiced without havingone or more features of these aspects and embodiments. It should beunderstood that these aspects and embodiments are merely exemplary.

In general, aspects of the disclosure relate to systems, methods,apparatus, and assemblies of components that remotely control one orpins on a cargo dolly so that they may be dropped/moved on one or moresides of the dolly from another side of the dolly at the same time whileavoiding the need for human intervention between the dolly and thecontainer loader. In more detail, a first aspect of the disclosurefocuses on a dolly locking pin that is a lever-based mechanism forsimultaneous lock/unlock of all four locks on one side of the cargodolly using levers located at the front of the dolly. This aspectinvolves deploying a rotating shaft with transfer sprockets on the cargodolly to rotate the pins. As such, a chain drive pin rotation system isdescribed where bearing mounted shafts are disposed in the cargo dollyand may be rotated. The shafts have gears/sprockets and chains fitted tothe gears. The chains are then also fitted to other sprockets fixed to aside of the dolly and such other sprockets, which responsivelyarticulate latches operating as types of pins that can selectivelyengage containers on the cargo dolly

Another aspect of the disclosure focuses on simultaneously locking andunlocking one or more pins while the logistics operator is stationaryusing articulating links. Here, the links may be articulated to travelparallel with the inside of the dolly frame. As such, the articulatinglinks responsively activate a lock mechanism with a sub pin design and aWASP spring-collet rotation system to remotely deploy one or more cargopins.

A further aspect of the disclosure focuses on a moveable control systemfor remote pin drop. The system may be placed into a secured and lockedposition for use on one side of the cargo dolly, and then repositionedin a stored position out of the way so as to avoid damage while beingsituated within the side frame of the cargo dolly.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure focuses on systems for automaticactuation of cargo holding pins based on cargo tug movement and locationrelative to the aircraft loader and alignment with the loader usingsensors onboard the cargo tug and/or dolly. This aspect may deploy anelectronics controller module having GPS and inertial measurement unittypes of sensors to detect and respond to movement of the tug/dolly, atransceiver that receives the relative location of the aircraft loader(whether in GPS type of coordinates) and/or further proximity sensorsthat detects the relative location of a nearby aircraft loader. Thecontroller module may sense alignment data (e.g., proximity data,location data, user input data, and/or a combination thereof) so as toactivate and actuate cargo holding pins via one or more of the remoteactuation assemblies described herein.

Additional advantages of these and other aspects of the disclosedembodiments and examples will be set forth in part in the descriptionwhich follows, and in part will be evident from the description, or maybe learned by practice of the invention. It is to be understood thatboth the foregoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments according toone or more principles of the invention and together with thedescription, serve to explain one or more principles of the invention.In the drawings,

FIG. 1A is a diagram of an exemplary mobile dolly frame in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a more detailed diagram of an exemplary mobile dolly frameshown from above and illustrating an exemplary working area on whichcargo may be supported in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 1C is a further diagram of an exemplary mobile dolly frame shownfrom above and illustrating exemplary main shafts and levers used inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective diagrams of an exemplary mobile dollyframe illustrating exemplary transfer sockets, chains, secondary shafts,and locking pins in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an exemplary chain and socket that may bedeployed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary main shaft and associatedbearings that may be deployed in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary lever that may be deployedin accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an end view of an exemplary secondaryshaft, sets of transfer sockets on the secondary shaft, and an exemplaryangled latch configured locking pin that may be deployed in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6B is a perspective diagram illustrating the exemplary secondaryshaft, sets of transfer sockets on the secondary shaft, and exemplaryangled latch configured locking pin of FIG. 6A that may be deployed inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of another exemplary mobile dolly frame that usesone or more articulating links to remotely deploy cargo locking pins inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a side-view diagram of the exemplary mobile dolly frame ofFIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a front-view diagram of the exemplary mobile dolly frame ofFIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an exemplary operator station using an exemplarychain and sprocket assembly on the exemplary mobile dolly frame of FIG.7 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram with further details on the exemplary operatorstation of the exemplary mobile dolly frame of FIGS. 7 and 10 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram of an exemplary linkage guide used on the exemplarymobile dolly frame of FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of an assembly illustrating an exemplarylongitudinal link, pin linkage, and locking pin on the exemplary mobiledolly frame of FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a further diagram of an assembly illustrating the exemplarylongitudinal link, pin linkage, and locking pin of FIG. 13 asarticulated by a portion of the exemplary chain and sprocket assembly onthe exemplary mobile dolly frame of FIG. 7 in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a further diagram of an assembly illustrating an exemplarylongitudinal link, pin linkage, and locking pin on the exemplary mobiledolly frame of FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a diagram of an exemplary support member having a lockinglever as part of the exemplary chain and sprocket assembly on theexemplary mobile dolly frame of FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 17 is a diagram of an exemplary pin lock as disposed on theexemplary mobile dolly frame of FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 18 is a diagram of the exemplary pin lock of FIG. 17 illustratinghow it can mate to a pin lock depression on the locking pin as disposedon the exemplary mobile dolly frame of FIG. 7 in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 19A-19C are a series of diagrams illustrating articulation of thelocking pin from a raised position to a withdrawn position in responseto movement of the pin linkage and longitudinal link on the exemplarymobile dolly frame of FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrams of another example of a locking pin usinga pin cradle, pin tab movably mounted in the pin cradle, and aspring-biased movable fitting in the pin tab that allows the pin tab tobe secured within the pin cradle but articulated to move from a raisedposition as secured within the pin cradle to a withdrawn position inresponse to movement of the pin linkage and longitudinal link on theexemplary mobile dolly frame of FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 21 is a diagram of an exemplary pin cradle and exemplary pin tab inrelation to an exemplary pin linkage and longitudinal link in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 is a diagram of the exemplary pin cradle and exemplary pin tabin relation to the exemplary pin linkage and longitudinal link as shownin FIG. 21 but as part of a multi-pin assembly on an exemplary mobiledolly frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 23 is a diagram of an exemplary cargo dolly enhanced with anexemplary movable frame section in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 24 is a diagram of the exemplary cargo dolly of FIG. 23 shown withthe exemplary movable frame section moved from a stored position into adeployed user/operator position in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 25 is a further diagram of a portion of the exemplary cargo dollyof FIG. 23 shown with an actuated exemplary movable frame sectioncapable of being moved from a stored position into a deployeduser/operator position in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary control, input,output, and actuated elements used on the exemplary cargo dolly of FIG.23 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 27 is a diagram of an exemplary cargo dolly enhanced with exemplarysensor-based actuation of cargo securing pins in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system withexemplary control, input, output, and actuated elements used on theexemplary cargo dolly of FIG. 27 in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 29 is flow diagram of an exemplary method for sensor-basedactuation of cargo securing pins on an improved cargo dolly inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to various exemplary embodiments.However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that differentembodiments may implement a particular part in different ways accordingto the needs of the intended deployment and operating environment forthe respective embodiments.

As noted above, aspects of the disclosure relate to systems, methods,apparatus, and assemblies of components that.

The following describes various embodiments of different systems,apparatus, and applied methods that are deployed and used to remotelycontrol one or pins on a cargo dolly so that they may be dropped/movedon one or more sides of the dolly from another side of the dolly at thesame time while avoiding the need for human intervention between thedolly and the container loader. Furthermore, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that additional embodiments may combine some of theseotherwise independent solutions to provide for an even more robustsystem for remotely deploying cargo dolly pin structures that helpsecure cargo being loaded onto, transported on, and unloaded from anexemplary cargo dolly used by logistical ground support equipment (e.g.,a cargo tractor or tug) as described in more detail below. Thedescription below is further enhanced with additional details asreflected in appended exhibit documents providing additional referenceinformation.

As used herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term“cargo tractor” or “tug” refers to a mobile industrial vehicle used inthe logistics field for transporting cargo, typically via one or moretrailing dollies. A dolly is generally a type of trailer for the cargotractor that is connected to the tractor and has specialized mechanicalstructure onboard to help secure what is loaded onto the dolly fortransport. An example of such specialized mechanical structure mayinclude one or more pins that may be dropped or moved so that the pinsengage with or help secure the cargo (e.g., a container, such as a unitload device (ULD) container commonly used for transporting items onaircraft).

Cargo dollies need robust systems to handle large mass/weights of cargoon the dolly. For example, a cargo dolly may need to withstand up to15,000 pounds of pressure when a fully loaded cargo container shifts itweight onto the pins on either side of the dolly as the container isbeing pulled around a corner and centrifugal force presses that weightagainst the pins. Conventional pins do not sit flush with the edges ofthe container and, therefore, space exists between the container baseand the pins allowing for movement of a container on a dolly—in somecases by approximately one inch. Current dolly designs have pins mountedto the frame of the dolly, and the frame absorbs the force.

What is described herein are embodiments for designs and technicalsolutions that allow for remote dropping of one or more of the cargoholding pins on a cargo dolly in an improved and enhanced manner thatimproves system performance, helps reduce safety risk to logisticspersonnel involved in loading and unloading operations, and helps reducepotential damage to ground support equipment. Such embodiments may be inthe form of a cargo dolly with enhanced features that allow fordifferent ways of remote dropping of the pins (and automatic systems foraccomplishing the same), but other embodiments may take the form ofretrofit assemblies that may be added to an existing cargo dolly toimprove and enhance how that cargo dolly may be used so as to increasesafety as well as ease & speed of load and unload operations involvingcargo on the dolly.

Lever-Based System

In more detail, some embodiments focus on dolly locking pins that may beremotely actuated using a lever-based mechanism for simultaneouslock/unlock of multiple locks on one side of the cargo dolly using alever located at the front of the dolly as the actuating mechanism. Inone embodiment, a single lever may be used to deploy and articulate alllocking pins on the dolly. In another embodiment, a plurality ofdifferent levers (located at a remote location from where the dolly mayinterface and abut a container loader/unloader) may be used toselectively articular individual or groups of locking pins on the dolly.

In general, these embodiments involve deploying a rotating main shaftwithin the dolly frame, and disposing a first set of transfer sprocketson the shaft and a second set of sprockets relative to the cargo dollyframe on a different shaft that responsively rotates the locking pins(e.g., angled latches that interface with points on cargo containers onthe dolly). FIGS. 1A-6B further details on an exemplary embodiment withone or more exemplary main shafts having the lever and the first set ofsprockets, a chain that engages the first set of sprockets on the mainshaft as well as the second set of sprockets on a secondary shaft havingan articulating latch as a type of “pin” that may be rotated/articulatedto a position where it can hold cargo in place on the deck of the cargodolly when raised, or lower it to release or otherwise not secure cargoon the dolly's deck.

FIG. 1A is a diagram of an exemplary mobile dolly frame 100 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. Exemplary mobile dollyframe 100 shown in FIG. 1A may be used as a foundational structure in anembodiment for the transportation/loading/unloading of cargo, such ascargo pallets or unit load devices (ULDs). Exemplary mobile dolly frame(also referred to as a dolly or cargo dolly) is shown with a set ofwheels 105, which may be deployed to extend outside of frame 100 (asshown in FIG. 1A) or be disposed on axles to be within frame 100 (asshown in FIGS. 1B and 1C). Exemplary mobile dolly frame 100 is shown asa rail-based frame having at least a front edge 110, a first side edge115 connected to the front edge 110, a second side edge 120 connected tothe front edge 110, a rear edge 125 connected to each of the first sideedge 115 and the second side edge 120, and an exemplary tow bar 130 thatmay be connected to tractor or to other dollies. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that other embodiments of an exemplary dolly framemay be implemented in configurations of different sizes and shapes, butwith side edges where cargo may be loaded/unloaded and a containerloader/unloader may interface and abut the dolly frame so that cargosupported on the dolly frame may be released from a secure configuredand moved off a working area of the dolly frame (e.g., working area orcargo deck 135 as shown in FIG. 1B).

FIG. 1C is a further diagram of exemplary mobile dolly frame 100 shownfrom above and with more details. Referring now to FIG. 1C, exemplarymobile dolly frame 100 is shown with axles 155 a, 155 b that may bedisposed relative to the frame 100 so as to support wheels 105 (whichsupport the frame 100 and rotate to allow movement of frame 100),cross-member support rails 140 a-140 c, main shafts 145 a-b rotatablydisposed on support rails 140 a-c of frame 100 via bearings 150 a-f(shown in more detail in FIG. 4 ), and levers 160 a-b disposed proximateto part of the dolly frame 100 (e.g., the front edge 110 as shown or therear edge 125 in other embodiments). Each of levers 160 a-160 b ismovable relative to the dolly frame 100 and in responsive communicationwith respective ones of the main shafts 145 a-145 b (shown in moredetail in FIG. 4 ). As shown in FIG. 1C, lever 160 a, for example, isdisposed on an inner side of the front edge 110 of the dolly frame 100proximate one side edge 115 so as to allow movement of the lever 160 arelative to the dolly frame 100 without being in the working area 135 ofthe cargo (and without interfering with movement of the cargo, whichfurther allows an operator of lever 160 a to remain remote from thecargo and where it may be loaded/unloaded from the frame 100). Exemplarylever 160 b is similarly disposed on the inner side of the front edge110, but in a location proximate the other side edge 120 of frame 100.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective diagrams of exemplary mobile dolly frame100 illustrating exemplary transfer sockets, chains, secondary shafts,and locking pins as separate lever-actuated locking pin assemblies inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, each lever 160a-160 b may be actuated (e.g., rotated) to cause movement of therespective locking pins proximate different side edges 115-120 of framewith the operator remaining remote from the locking pins and allowingthe lever operator to remain in view of an operator of the cargoloader/unloader. In more detail, exemplary frame 200 shown in FIG. 2A issimilar to that of frame 100, while further showing an exemplaryassembly 205 of a level-actuated locking pin (with similarly configuredassemblies shown along different parts of each of side edges 115-120).FIG. 2B provides more detail showing exemplary lever-actuated lockingpin assembly 205 including main shaft 145 b, a first set of transfersprockets 210 a-210 b mounted to the main shaft 145 b; a secondary shaft230, a second set of transfer sprockets 220 a-220 b mounted to thesecondary shaft 230; chains 240 a-240 b disposed about and engaged withthe first set of transfer sprockets 210 a-210 b and the second set oftransfer sprockets 220 a-220 b; and a locking pin 235. The secondaryshaft 230, as shown in FIG. 2B, is rotatably disposed proximate to sideedge 120 of the dolly frame 200 on bracket 215 (fixed to frame 200),wherein the first part of the dolly frame 200 where lever 160 b islocated is remote from the part of the dolly frame where the locking pin235 is located. The locking pin 235 has a first end fixed to thesecondary shaft 230 and a second end that may be configured as an angledlatch (shown in more detail in FIGS. 6A and 6B). Those skilled in theart will appreciate that, in this assembly configuration, rotation ofthe lever 160 b at the front part of the dolly frame responsively causesthe locking pin 235 shown in FIG. 2B to remotely rotate at the side partof the dolly frame 200 shown in FIG. 2B.

As shown in FIG. 2A, embodiments may have a single lever thatarticulates a main shaft, which then drives multiple locking pins. Thus,an embodiment may use lever 160 b to remotely articulate differentlocking pins disposed at different points of side edge 120 of dollyframe 200 as shown in FIG. 2A. In like manner, another embodiment mayuse lever 160 a to remotely articulate different locking pins disposedat different points of side edge 115 of dolly frame 200 as shown in FIG.2A. Still further embodiments may deploy a single lever with furthertransfer sockets and chains to drive multiple main shafts and lockingpins disposed at multiple points on both edged of dolly frame 200.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary chain 240 a and transfer socket 220b that may be deployed in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring now to FIG. 3A, chain 240 a is shown as an invertedtooth chain that interlocks with sprocket 210 a as would be disposed onmain shaft 145 b (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) via, for example, a keydisposed longitudinally on the shaft 145 b mated to a shaft collar 300that fixes the sprocket 210 a to shaft 145 b. An embodiment uses such achain drive to transmit motion from the shaft 145 b to the locking pin235 (e.g., configured as a latch). In one embodiment, the chain tensionmay be minimal while the chain is in motion while the maximum chaintension occurs when the dolly frame is turning with a fully-loaded ULD.In such conditions, the latch and chain are stationary.

Chain sizing in low-speed lifting embodiments should be on the basis oftensile strength, and a factor of safety of 5 to 6 for the ultimatetensile load is appropriate; hence, a design factor of n_(d)=5.5 wasused to size the chain in an embodiment. To find the chain tension,moments are summed about the latch rotation axis. Let r denote themoment arm of the centripetal reaction force about the latch axis; basedon rough measurements, r=1.838 in. If the pitch diameter of the latchsprocket is Dp and the total tangential force supported by the chain(s),with the design factor n_(d) applied, is F_(chain), then

$F_{chain}n_{d}{\frac{rF}{D_{p}/2}.}$

Thus, if the ultimate tensile strength of a particular chain, F_(UT), isknown, then the number of chains required is estimated by rounding theratio F_(chain)/F_(UT) up to the nearest integer.

Based on rough measurements of the clearance between the latch rotationaxis and the plane along the bottom of the containers (also referred toas the cargo deck or working area), a latch sprocket diameter may beapproximately 2 inches in an embodiment. A preferred embodiment uses aninverted tooth chain as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Although this type ofchain is commonly used for power transmission at higher speeds, it wouldalso work for this embodiment because it may have higher load ratingsthan standard roller chain. An embodiment deployed chain 240 a andsprocket set as an Aventics KH040 chain (e.g., chain 240 a) with a15-tooth latch sprocket (e.g., sprocket 220 b) and a 30-tooth drivesprocket (e.g., sprocket 210 a). In one embodiment, two chains may berequired for each locking pin/latch 235 given the chain has a higherultimate tensile load rating.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating exemplary main shaft 145 a andassociated pillow block bearings 150 a-150 c that may be deployed inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. The main shaft (e.g.,shaft 145 a) may be mounted to cross-member support rails 140 a-140 cvia respective bearings 150 a-150 c so as to allow the shaft to carrythe load between the sprockets (e.g., transfer sprockets shown in FIG.2A similar to sprockets 210 a-210 b shown in FIG. 2B) and locking lever(e.g., lever 160 a shown in FIG. 1C). An embodiment may use a 1 inchdiameter case hardened keyed shaft 145 a, which is keyed to preventrotation between itself and the sprockets, and the sprockets are held inplace axially by shaft collars 300 (shown in FIG. 3A). Embodiments mayuse one or more main shafts (e.g., shaft 145 a) supported by pillowblock bearings mounted to cross-members on the dolly frame. As shown inFIG. 3A, and the shaft may held in place axially by key and by shaftcollars (such as collar 300) on both sides of the bearings. As shown inthe embodiment of FIG. 2A, the main shafts may each rotate two lockingpin/latches simultaneously, given the shafts run along the length of thedolly.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary lever (e.g., levers 160a-160 b) that may be deployed in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Generally, an embodiment may locate the lever or leverssomewhere where it/they could not be damaged by the high impactenvironment the dollies operate in—e.g., placing levers 160 a-160 binside the frame 100, but not in the working area 135 where thecontainers could damage the levers. As shown in FIG. 5 , exemplary lever160 a is illustrated showing a handle portion 500 opposite a carriageportion 510 seated onto and in responsive communication with a mainshaft (such as main shaft 145 a with key 515 that engages the carriageportion 510). Pivoting the handle portion 500 causes the carriageportion 510 to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the main shaft andcauses rotation of the main shaft, and pivoting so that the handleportion can be locked into an open or closed position. The handleportion 500 may be locked when it is moved from a main channel into aside channel where the handle portion may deploy a flange 520 to holdthe handle in place in the side channel. An embodiment may have thehandle portion 500 being held in a side channel slot on the dolly'sframe by a spring (not shown) that is connected to the handle and thecarriage and biased the handle into a desired position (e.g., holdingthe handle portion 500 in the side channel slot to keep the handle inthe closed position).

An embodiment may implement the handle portion 500 with a hand grip thatmoves between a first position and a second position. Movement of thelever's hand grip (handle portion 500 on lever 160 b) to the firstposition causes the locking pin (e.g., locking pin 235) to move to anopen position while movement of the hand grip to the second positioncauses the locking pin to move to a closed position. Such an openposition may represent a released configuration of the locking pin 235and the cargo as supported on working area 135 and the closed positionmay represent a secure configuration of the locking pin 235 and thecargo as supported on working area 135 of dolly frame 100/200.

FIGS. 6A and 6B provide further details of an exemplary secondary shaft,sets of transfer sockets on the secondary shaft, and an exemplary angledlatch configured locking pin that may be deployed in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. FIG. 6A illustrates such details with anend-view, while FIG. 6B illustrates more of these details in perspectiveor isometric view. Referring now to FIG. 6A, exemplary secondary shaft230 mounted on bracket 215, transfer sockets 220 b on the secondaryshaft 230, and exemplary locking pin 235 are shown where the locking pinthat rotates relative to secondary shaft 230 is an angled latch 600.Referring now to FIG. 6B, angled latch 600 is shown in more detail witha radial latch support 600 b attached to and extending from secondaryshaft 230 and with a locking latch 600 a in an angled relationship tothe radial latch support 600 b.

In this configuration, the angled latch 600 of the locking pin 235 maybe driven in an embodiment (via the lever, main shaft, sprockets, andchain) to rotate towards the cargo. As such, the angled latch 600securely interfaces with the cargo (e.g., an attachment point on thebase of the cargo) to secure the cargo on the working area 135 when thelocking pin 235 is moved to the closed position by pivoting the handleportion 500 in a first direction. For example, the angled latch 600 (atleast the locking latch 600 a) of the locking pin 235 rotates to atleast partially extend above the cargo deck (working area 135) tosecurely interface with the attachment point on the cargo when thelocking pin 235 is moved to the closed position by pivoting the handleportion 500 of the lever in the first direction. In like manner, theangled latch of the locking pin may rotate away from the cargo'sattachment point to release the cargo when the locking pin is moved tothe open position by pivoting the lever's handle portion in a seconddirection (e.g., where the angled latch of the locking pin rotates toretract below the cargo deck and away from the interface with thecargo's attachment point when the locking pin is moved to the openposition by pivoting the handle portion in the second direction).

As shown in FIG. 2A, an embodiment may deploy multiple lever-actuatedlocking pin assemblies associated with different edges of the mobiledolly frame 200. One of the lever-actuated locking pin assemblies may beassociated with a first edge of the mobile dolly frame (e.g., side edge115 of dolly frame 200) while a second lever-actuated locking pinassembly may be associated with a second edge of the mobile dolly frame(e.g., side edge 120 of dolly frame 200). These different lever-actuatedlocking pin assemblies may include their own respective lever, mainshaft, secondary shaft, sets of transfer sprockets on the main andsecondary shafts, chain that couples the different transfer sprockets,and locking pin (actuated angled latch). Those skilled in the art willfurther appreciate that further embodiments may use a single lever toactuate all such coupled locking pins on the dolly frame and that otherembodiments may use particular levers coupled to selective locking pins(or groups of locking pins).

Articulating Link Systems

Another embodiment focuses on simultaneously locking and unlocking oneor more pins while the logistics operator is stationary using varioustypes of articulating links. In this type of embodiment, the links maybe one or more linkages that can be responsively articulated to travelalong with the inside area defined by the dolly frame. As the linkmoves, a portion of the link responsively activates a sub-pin lockingdesign and/or a spring-collet rotation system to remotely deploy one ormore cargo locking pins. Exemplary embodiments related to such anarticulating link type of activation of a cargo locking pin are shown inFIGS. 7-22 as explained in more detail below.

FIGS. 7-9 are diagrams illustrating different views of another exemplarymobile dolly frame on wheels that use one or more articulating links toremotely deploy cargo locking pins in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention. Referring now to FIG. 7 , exemplary mobile dolly frame700 is illustrated in perspective as a version of frame 100 shown inFIG. 1A as a rail based frame with front, rear, and side edges and a towbar in the front. Frame 700 is shown in FIG. 7 with cross-member supportrails running across frame 700 and with multiple casters and rollersused to facilitate movement of cargo supported on the working area(cargo deck) of frame 700.

FIG. 8 is a side-view diagram of the exemplary mobile dolly frame ofFIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, andillustrates exemplary mobile dolly frame 700 having wheels 105, frontedge 110, side edge 115, and tow bar similar to that shown for frame 100in FIG. 1A. FIG. 8 further illustrates cargo rollers 705 disposedrelative to a side edge (e.g., edge 115) of frame 700 to facilitate easeof movement and transfer of cargo onto and off of frame 700. Frame 700is further illustrated with an operator station (e.g., a manuallyoperated station involving an exemplary chain and sprocket assembly 710having a handle. FIG. 9 is a front-view diagram of the exemplary mobiledolly frame 700 of FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention, and shows details of exemplary chain and sprocket assembly710 that articulates a link that travels parallel within spaced definedby dolly frame 700. As shown in FIG. 9 , exemplary chain and sprocketassembly 710 disposed relative to the front edge 110 of dolly frame 700has handle 900. The operator may be located remote from side edge 115(e.g., at the front edge 110 in this embodiment) and engage handle 900of assembly 710 to cause movement of locking pins 715 a, 715 b viaarticulated movement of linkages disposed on the frame 700 in responseto handle movement. In this manner, handle 900 is mechanically linked toone end of the chain and sprocket assembly whereby rotational movementof the handle 900 responsively causes the chain and sprocket assembly torotate and articulate a longitudinal link at the other end of the chainand sprocket assembly. The longitudinal link, as discussed in moredetail below, moves within linkage guides and causes movement of one ormore locking pins (e.g., locking pins 715 a, 715 b).

In more detail, the operator station of such an embodiment may bedisposed on or at the front edge or rear edge of dolly frame 700. Theoperator station may be implemented with manually operated exemplarychain and sprocket assembly 710, which may be manually operated viahandle 900 where a chain spins the sprockets/pinion of the assembly,which results in linear rack motion (e.g., articulation of the link orlinkage) that moves or articulates linkages downward to rotate pins 90degrees towards the front side of the dolly (e.g., from a raisedposition that secures cargo on dolly frame 700 to a withdrawn positionthat releases the cargo allowing the cargo to be loaded/unloaded/movedrelative to the dolly frame 700). Other embodiments may implement theoperator station with actuated pistons, hydraulic lines, or furtheractuating structure responsive to input from an operator that causesmovement of the linkages disposed on the frame 700 to then move thelocking pins between different positions relative to cargo on frame 700.

FIG. 10 provides further details of exemplary chain and sprocketassembly 710. Referring now to FIG. 10 , exemplary chain and sprocketassembly 710 is shown having support member 1000 fixed to the front edge110 of dolly frame 700, sprocket 1005 rotatably mounted to an upper endof support member 1000, handle 900 responsively mounted to a side ofsprocket 1005, and chain 1010 disposed along member 1000 with a loop ofchain 1010 being disposed around sprocket 1005. In this way, operatormovement of the handle 900 causes rotation of sprocket 1005 and chain1010. At the front edge 110 of dolly frame 700, a set of sprockets 1015are fixed to a rotating axle mounted to the front edge 110. One fromthat set of sprockets 1015 accepts chain 1010 so that rotation of thatsprocket due to movement of chain 1010 causes rotation of the othersprocket in set 1015. A second chain 1020 is disposed about that othersprocket in set 1015 and also around a third sprocket 1025 fixed to oneend of a rotatable shaft 1030 disposed within the area defined by theframe 700 and mounted to one of the frame's cross-member support rails.The other end of the shaft 1030 is coupled to and in contact withlongitudinal link 1040 via a pinion gear 1035 that mates with gearing onthe longitudinal link 1040. In this configuration of such an exemplarychain and sprocket assembly that can articulate the longitudinal link1040, movement of sprocket 1005 by the handle 900 causes movement ofchain 1010, which causes movement of sprockets 1015, which causesmovement of the second chain 1020, which causes movement of the thirdsprocket 1025 and shaft 1030 as well as responsive articulation of thelongitudinal link 1040 via the pinion gear 1035 on shaft 1030.

FIG. 11 is a diagram with further details on the exemplary operatorstation of the exemplary mobile dolly frame of FIGS. 7 and 10 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 shows adifferent perspective of parts of such an exemplary operator station andchain and sprocket assembly 710 where pinion gear 1035 is shown in moredetail as it contacts longitudinal link 1040, which is held by linkageguide 1100. FIG. 12 shows exemplary linkage guide 1100 having an linkageaperture 1200 through which the longitudinal link 1040 may be insertedso that when the linkage guide 1100 is mounted to frame 700,longitudinal link 1040 may move forward and backward (in response tomovement of pinion gear 1035) but be held in place relative to the frame700 otherwise. In other words, the linkage guide 1100 supports the link1040 as it is articulated along the length of the dolly frame 700 inresponse to actuation of the chain and sprocket assembly on the front ofthe frame. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that multiplelinkage guides 1100 may be disposed in an embodiment along the dollyframe 700 to hold the longitudinal link 1040 in an orientation thatextends along a length of the dolly frame 700 as the longitudinal link1040 articulates along the length of the dolly frame 700.

FIGS. 13-15 provide different views of and further details about how anexemplary longitudinal link 1040 may extend along the length of thedolly frame 700 and articulate one or more pin linkages and locking pinsin embodiments. For exemplar, as shown in FIG. 13 , locking pin 715 a isshown with an end rotatably fixed to frame 700 via a locking pin supportbase 1305 that acts as a locking pin pivot point where locking pin 715 acan rotate up in response to articulation of longitudinal link 1040 andits component linkages (e.g., pin linkage 1300). Pin linkage 1300 has afirst end attached to the longitudinal link 1040 and a second endrotatably attached to the middle portion of the locking pin 715 a. FIGS.14 and 15 are further diagrams an assembly illustrating the exemplarylongitudinal link 1040, pin linkage 1300, and locking pin 715 a of FIG.13 as articulated by a portion of the exemplary chain and sprocketassembly on the exemplary mobile dolly frame of FIG. 7 . While theexample shown in FIG. 14 illustrates exemplary locking pin 715 a being alocking pin articulated by longitudinal link 1040 and pin linkage 1300where the longitudinal link 1040 extend beyond support base 1305 toanother locking pin (e.g., locking pin 715 b), the example shown in FIG.15 illustrates an example where locking pin 715 a may be a sole lockingpin articulated by the longitudinal link 1040 and pin linkage 1300.

In such embodiments, movement of handle 900 as part of the operatorstation allows for remote actuation of one or more locking pins tosecure or release cargo as disposed on the dolly frame 700. In moredetail, movement of handle 900 in a first rotational direction causesthe second end of the locking pin (e.g., locking pin 715 a, 715 b) toextend above the dolly frame 700 from the withdrawn position to theraised position representing a secure configuration of the locking pinand the cargo. As such, the locking pin may rotate towards an attachmentpoint on the cargo to securely interface with the attachment point onthe cargo when the locking pin is moved to the raised position by movingthe handle 900 in the first rotational direction. In another example,movement of the handle 900 in a second rotational direction may causethe second end of the locking pin (e.g., a distal end of locking pin 715a, 715 b that has been extended above the working area or deck of dollyframe 700) to retract from the raised position to the withdrawn positionto release the cargo. As such, the locking pin may rotate away from anattachment point on the cargo to release the cargo when the locking pinis moved to the withdrawn position by moving the handle 900 in thesecond rotational direction.

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate an exemplary locking mechanism that may keep thelocking pins (e.g., locking pins 715 a, 715 b) in a particularconfiguration/position (such as in the raised position so as to helpsecure the cargo) with a trigger actuated pin release. In more detail,FIG. 16 is a diagram of exemplary support member 1000 having anexemplary locking lever 1600 as part of the exemplary chain and sprocketassembly 710 on the exemplary mobile dolly frame 700 of FIG. 7 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. Exemplary locking lever1600 is shown coupled to support member 1000 where a brake cable (notshown) may be attached and fed through cable guides (e.g., guide 1605)from the operator station and routed to a sub-pin (also referred to as apin lock). FIG. 17 is a diagram of an exemplary pin lock 1700 asdisposed on the exemplary mobile dolly frame 700 of FIG. 7 in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. Referring now to FIG. 17 ,exemplary pin lock 1700 is shown disposed on locking pin support base1305 with cable guides 1705, 1710 that route the brake cable from theoperator station to pin lock 1700. FIG. 18 is a diagram of exemplary pinlock 1700 of FIG. 17 from below illustrating how exemplary pin lock 1700can mate to a pin lock depression 1800 on locking pin 715 a as disposedon the exemplary mobile dolly frame of FIG. 7 in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. Referring now to FIG. 18 , exemplary pinlock 1700 may be implemented with a sleeve fixed to locking pin supportbase 1305, and a spring-biased sub pin 1805 that moves within the sleevein response to movement of the brake cable attached to a bottom part ofthe sub pin 1805 (as articulated by the locking lever 1600 through thecable guides). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that whenlocking pin 715 a (as shown in FIG. 18 ) is moved to the raisedposition, the spring biased sub pin 1805 of pin lock 1700 is biased intothe pin lock depression 1800 to secure locking pin 715 a in the raisedposition. But when locking lever 1600 is depressed, such lever movementcauses retraction of the sub pin 1805 from the pin lock depression 1800to release the locking pin 715 a and allow locking pin 715 a to be movedvia articulation of longitudinal link 1040 to the withdrawn position. Inthis way, the operator may control a triggered release of the sub-pin1805, which selectively unlocks the cargo locking pins (e.g., lockingpin 715 a) that may be articulated to protrude from the cargo dolly'sdeck. Further embodiments may have the same brake cable triggeringrelease of multiple locking pins (e.g., locking pins 715 a, 715 b) atthe same time for a coordinated release of those pins from theirrespective raised positions.

FIGS. 19A-19C are a series of diagrams illustrating articulation of thelocking pins (e.g., pins 715 a, 715 b) from the raised position to thewithdrawn position in response to movement of longitudinal link 1040 andrespective pin linkages (e.g., linkage 1300) on the different lockingpins on the exemplary mobile dolly frame of FIG. 7 in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. As handle 900 is rotated, locking pins 715a, 715 b move from the raised position as shown in FIG. 19A, transitionbetween the raised and withdrawn positions as shown in FIG. 19B, andmove to the withdrawn position as shown in FIG. 19C where the lockingpins 715 a, 715 b no longer secure cargo on dolly frame 700 and wherethe cargo may be moved from frame 700. In other words, exemplary lockingpins 715 a, 715 b may be moved from the raised position (where they maysecurely interface with the attachment point on the cargo when thelocking pins 715 a, 715 b are moved to the raised position by moving thehandle 900 at the safe location of the operator station in the firstrotational direction) to the withdrawn position (where movement of thehandle 900 in an opposing rotational direction causes the second end ofthe locking pins retract from extending above the dolly frame).

FIGS. 20A and 20B are diagrams of another exemplary locking pin that maybe articulated via longitudinal link 1040 and pin linkage 1300.Referring now to FIG. 20A, this alternative exemplary locking pin may beimplemented using exemplary pin tab 2000 having a cradle post 2010extending from either side of pin tab 2000 and a movable fitting 2001disposed within an aperture 2020 in pin tab 2000. Movable fitting 2001,as illustrated in FIG. 20A, glides within aperture 2020 and is biased inplace using spring 2002. FIG. 20B illustrates an exemplary pin cradle2005 where pin tab 2000 may be movably mounted in the pin cradle 2005using a pin shaft 2015 fed through pin cradle 2005 and spring-biasedmovable fitting 2001 in the pin tab 2000. This allows the pin tab 2000to be secured within the pin cradle 2005 but articulated to move from araised position of the pin tab 2000 (as shown in FIG. 20B) as securedwithin the pin cradle 2005 to a withdrawn position in response tomovement of the pin linkage 1300 and longitudinal link 1040 on theexemplary mobile dolly frame of FIG. 7 in accordance with an embodimentof the invention. In an embodiment, exemplary pin cradle 2005 isdisposed on the edge of the dolly frame 700. The pin cradle 2005securely holds the pin tab 2000 as the locking pin in the raisedposition given the bias of spring 2002 that holds the cradle post 2010within a seat of the pin cradle 2005. Movement of pin linkage 1300 (viaarticulation of longitudinal link 1040) urges and moves pin tab 2000 outof cradle 2005 where the cradle post 2010 and pin tab 2000 are moved upfrom the cradle's seat so to allow rotation of the pin tab 2000 from theraised position to the withdrawn position in response to movement of thepin linkage 1300 and longitudinal link 1040. An embodiment may implementlongitudinal link 1040 as a geared link 1040 (as shown in FIG. 21 )responsive to rotation of pinion gear 1035 and shaft 1030 of the chainand sprocket assembly 710. FIG. 22 is a diagram of an exemplary pincradle and exemplary pin tab in relation to the exemplary pin linkageand longitudinal link as shown in FIG. 21 but as part of a multi-pinassembly with multiple pin tabs 2000 a-2000 c and multiple pin linkages1300 a-1300 c responsive to link 1040 on an exemplary mobile dolly frame2200 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

A further embodiment may have the longitudinal link 1040 disposed underdolly 700 or 2200 to help avoid interference issues. Such an embodimentmay deploy a rack and pinion mechanism (similar to that illustrated inFIGS. 21 and 22 ) where the pin linkages push the pin tabs up and out oftheir respective cradles. As the operator rotates the top sprocket 1005at the operator station (e.g., via handle 900), the rotation motion istransferred to the pinion (e.g., via pinion gear 1035) and across therack (e.g., an embodiment of longitudinal link 1040) resulting inhorizontal translation of the longitudinal link and the attached pinlinkages, which pushes the rotational pin tabs upward (as illustrated inFIG. 21 ).

Movable Control System for Remote Pin Actuation

Further embodiments may have a moveable operator control systeminterface for remote pin drop on the dolly. In general, the exemplarymoveable operator control system interface may be selectively deployedfrom the dolly's frame via a deployment switch. FIGS. 23-26 provideinformation related to such embodiments involving an exemplary operatorcontrol system interface.

FIG. 23 is a diagram of an exemplary cargo dolly enhanced with anexemplary movable frame section in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring now to FIG. 23 , exemplary cargo dolly frame 2300is similar to exemplary frame 100 and illustrated with many commonlyreferenced components similar to that shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. As shown inFIG. 23 , exemplary cargo dolly frame 2300 is shown with having multipledifferent frame sections, such as the front edge 110, the first sideedge 115 connected to the front edge 110, the second side edge 120connected to the front edge 110, the rear edge 125 connected to each ofthe first side edge 115 and the second side edge 120, and exemplary towbar 130 that may be connected to tractor or to other dollies. Exemplarycargo dolly frame 2300, as shown in FIG. 23 , further includes anexemplary movable frame section 2310 attached to the front edge 110 partof frame 2300 (e.g., a first frame section of the dolly frame). Otherembodiments may have the exemplary movable frame section attached toother sections of the dolly frame 2300, such as the rear edge 125.

Exemplary movable frame section 2310 is shown retracted in a recessedportion 2315 of frame 2300, but further embodiments may have theexemplary movable frame section 2310 in a foldable configuration withthe dolly frame 2300 or a removable configuration relative to the dollyframe 2300. Thus, embodiments may allow the movable frame section 2310(which provides a base for a moveable operator control system interface)to be disposed on the dolly frame structure in a moveable manner so thatthe operator control system interface on the movable frame section 2310may be placed into a secured and locked user position for use on oneside of the cargo dolly 2300, and then repositioned in a stored positionout of the way so as to avoid damage while being situated within theside frame of the cargo dolly 2300 (e.g., within the recessed portion2315 of frame 2300). In other words, the exemplary dolly frame 2300 hasa movable frame section 2310 that is moveably positioned (e.g., via adeployment switch 2305 that may activate a latch to lock/unlock and/orlatch/unlatch the moveable frame section 2310 and/or may cause themoveable frame section 2310 to be responsively articulated or extendedfrom the dolly's frame 2300 using one or more actuators) so as to exposethe operator control system interface when the moveable portion isextended to be in the user position. The moveable frame section 2310 mayalso be withdrawn from the extended user position (e.g., using such adeployment switch 2305) so as to hide the operator control systeminterface when the moveable frame section 2310 is in the storedposition. Such a stored position may be, for example, recessed withinthe dolly frame 2300 (e.g., in recessed portion 2315 of frame 2300). Inthe foldable configuration embodiment, exemplary movable frame section2310 may be attached to frame 2300 (e.g., via hinges) and folded downbeside one side of the dolly frame (e.g., the front 110 of dolly frame2300) where the operator control system interface on the movable framesection 2310 is not protruding from the dolly 2300 so as to impede othertraffic or expose the dolly frame 2300 to damage. In the removableconfiguration embodiment, exemplary movable frame section 2310 may be aremovable component (e.g., with mechanical attachment points andelectronic interfaces that may be disconnected and reconnected) that maybe removed from the dolly frame 2300 itself so that it may bedisconnected and stored out of the way, but then reconnected in the userposition during loading and unloading operations.

FIG. 23 further illustrates exemplary electronics control module 2320,power source 2325 providing power to electronic circuitry on dolly frame2300 (e.g., electronics, actuators, displays, switches, and the like),and an exemplary set of cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d disposedrelative to different parts of the dolly frame 2300. Each of the cargosecuring pins 2330 a-2330 d (e.g., similar to that of locking pins 715a-715 b) are disposed relative to the frame 2300, are movable relativeto the frame 2300, and may be actuated or articulated (like that oflocking pins 715 a-715 b) from a retracted position that releases anycargo being transported on dolly frame 2300 to a deployed position thatmay extend above the working area/cargo deck of frame 2300 to helpsecure the cargo being transported on dolly frame 2300. In anembodiment, exemplary electronics control module 2320 (ECM) may bedisposed on dolly frame 2300 and used for at least remotely controllingdeployment of the cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d in response tooperator user input received through the operator control systeminterface on movable frame section 2310. Embodiments of exemplaryelectronics control module 2320 may have at least a weatherproof housingand, enclosed therein, a microprocessor, memory, interfacing circuitryfor receiving sensor input (e.g., input from an operator/user), andsending control signals to selectively activate one or more externalactuators that may drive and control the position of one or more ofcargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d. An exemplary electronics controlmodule 2320 may be implemented with, for example, a Raspberry Pi type oflow-cost computing node that has onboard wireless communications (e.g.,Bluetooth, ZigBee, WiFi, Cellular, and the like), sensor and actuatorinterfacing, memory for storing programming code that adapts the modulebeyond that of a generic computing device when used as part of improvedand enhanced cargo dolly apparatus/system, and may be battery operated(e.g., powered by electricity provided by power source 2325, which maybe rechargeable and/or replaceable).

FIG. 24 is a diagram of the exemplary cargo dolly of FIG. 23 shown withthe exemplary movable frame section 2310 moved from a stored position(e.g., as disposed in recessed portion 2315 of frame 2300) into adeployed user/operator position that extends from a side of frame 2300.Referring now to FIG. 24 , exemplary operator control system interface2400 on movable frame section 2310 is illustrated in the deployeduser/operator position and having one or more user input devices 2405and one or more status indicators 2410 viewable and operable by thelocal user/operator. An embodiment has exemplary user input devices 2405on the system interface 2400 to receive input from the operator/userwhere the user input devices 2405 allows a logistics operator to sendinput to electronics control module 2320 as responsive control input fora processor-based system that can actuate remote cargo securing pindrop/raising to a desired configuration. Exemplary user input devices2405 may be implemented with one or more keys, switches, joy sticks,touchscreens, and the like that. Exemplary status indicators 2410provide feedback to the operator/user in the form of status informationrelated to one or more of the cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d (e.g.,deployed status, withdrawn or retracted status) and/or statusinformation related to the movable frame section 2310 (e.g., locked,unlocked, deployed). Exemplary status indicators 2410 may be implementedwith one or more lights and/or speakers. An embodiment may implementstatus indicators 2410 with one or more displays disposed on theoperator control system interface 2400, where the display or displaysprovide generated messages representing the status information relatedto the state of cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d and/or the movableframe section 2310.

As noted above, exemplary deployment switch 2305 is attached to frame2300 and engaged by the operator/user to release the movable framesection 2310 from a stored position on a side of the frame 2300 to adeployed user position. Such a switch 2305 may release the movable framesection 2310 from recessed portion 2315 in frame 2300, from a foldedposition on the side of frame 2300, or may release the movable framesection 2310 from frame 2300 altogether as a removable component of thecargo dolly. FIG. 25 is a further diagram of a portion of the exemplarycargo dolly of FIG. 23 shown with an actuated exemplary movable framesection 2310 capable of being moved from a stored position into adeployed user/operator position in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. Referring now to FIG. 25 , an exemplary movable frame sectionactuator 2500 is shown as one or more actuators that may be activated tocause movable frame section 2310 to deploy from a stored or recessedposition (e.g., a position in recessed portion 2315 of frame 2300).Exemplary moveable frame section actuator 2500 is responsive to inputreceived by deployment switch 2305, and is disposed on part of frame2300 while being in communication with the movable frame section 2310.In other words, the moveable frame section actuator 2500 is operable tocause the movable frame section 2310 to extend from frame 2300 from astored position to a deployed user position in response to inputreceived by the deployment switch 2305, and further operable to causethe movable frame section 2310 to articulate and retract relative toframe 2300 from the deployed user position to the stored position inresponse to other input received by the deployment switch 2305. As notedabove, other embodiments may use a latch (not shown) responsive to thedeployment switch 2500, where the latch is disposed on the frame 2300 tosecure the movable frame section 2310 in a stored position and torelease the moveable frame section 2310 from the stored position inresponse to the deployment switch 2500.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary control, input,output, and actuated elements used on the exemplary cargo dolly of FIG.23 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring now toFIG. 26 , the above described components are shown with connections thehelp represent interconnections and operations of the improved cargodolly as an enhanced apparatus. As shown in FIG. 26 , deployment switch2500 is shown providing its received user input to movable frame section(MFS) actuator 2500, which then responsively causes the movable framesection 2310 (having operator control system interface 2400) to deploy.Electronic control module (ECM) 2320 is shown coupled to user inputdevices 2405 and status indicators 2410 on operator control systeminterface 2400, while also providing control signals to exemplarysecuring pin actuator(s) 2600 so as to allow for remote actuation of thecargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d. As such, the securing pin actuators2600 are responsive to control input received by user input device 2405to cause the cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d to move from theirrespective retracted position to their respective deployed position tosecure the cargo. Likewise, the securing pin actuators 2600 areresponsive to other control input received by the user input device 2405to cause the cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d to move from theirrespective deployed position to their respective retracted position torelease the cargo. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that userinput device 2405 may be implemented to allow an operator/user toprovide input to selectively actuate particular ones of cargo securingpins 2330 a-2330 d (as individual pins, sub-groups of the pins, or allof the pins). And while power module 2325 is shown coupled to ECM 2320,those skilled in the art will appreciate that power module 2325 may alsoprovide power to any and all other components shown in FIG. 26 .

In such a configuration and in operation, ECM 2320 is programmaticallyoperative to receive the control input from the user input device 2405;generate a first control signal responsive to the control input;transmit the first control signal to the securing pin actuators 2600 tocause the cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d to move from theirrespective retracted position to their respective deployed position tosecure the cargo; receive other control input from the user input device2405; generate a second control signal responsive to the other controlinput; and transmit the second control signal to the securing pinactuators 2600 to cause the cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d to movefrom their respective deployed position to their respective retractedposition to release the cargo.

In an embodiment, the cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d may beselectively activated individually or in groups by securing pinactuators 2600. For example, particular securing pin actuators 2600 maybe respectively coupled to each in the set of cargo securing pins 2330a-2330 d. In such an example, each of the selectively activated securingpin actuators 2600 may be responsive to deploy control input (aparticular control signal for that actuator and its respective cargosecuring pin or pins) received by the first user input device to causethe respective one of the cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d to move froma retracted position to a deployed position to facilitate securing thecargo. Likewise, each of the selectively activated securing pinactuators 2600 may be responsive to retract control input (anothercontrol signal for that actuator and its respective cargo securing pinor pins) received by the first user input device to cause the respectiveone of the cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d to move from the deployedposition to the retracted position to at least partially release thecargo where that pin or pins interfaces with attachments point of thecargo or where that pin or pins prevent the cargo from moving off thedolly frame 2300.

Sensor-Based Automatic Actuation of Cargo Holding Pins

Additional embodiments include systems and methods for automaticactuation of cargo holding/securing pins based on sensor data, such ascargo tug movement and location relative to the aircraft loader (alsoreferenced as a cargo loader) and alignment with the loader usingsensors onboard the cargo tug and/or dolly. FIGS. 27-29 provide furtherdetails regarding such embodiments.

In general, such embodiments may deploy an exemplary electronicscontroller module as part of a system or assembly on the dolly thatincludes or at least interfaces with sensors (e.g., GPS and inertialmeasurement unit types of sensors) to detect and respond tomotion/movement of the tug/dolly, a transceiver that receives therelative location of the aircraft loader (whether in GPS type ofcoordinates) and/or further proximity sensors that detects the relativelocation of a nearby aircraft loader. In an exemplary embodiment, theelectronic controller module on the dolly may sense alignment data(e.g., proximity data, location data, user input data, and/or acombination thereof) so as to automatically activate and actuate cargoholding pins via one or more of the remote actuation assembliesdescribed above (e.g., sending a signal to cause a lever or shaft toresponsively move so as to deploy (lock or unlock) the pins on the dollyframe). In this way, pin raising/dropping or otherwise pin actuation maybe automated and reportable. The state of the pins, as automaticallydetected or determined (via status data reflecting alignment, pinstatus, and dolly status), may be used in an embodiment as part ofdetermining if a cargo tractor with the dolly should be allowed to move.For example, if a pin was not raised and the dolly's electronics moduledetects movement, a change in weight on the dolly (via scales or straingauges deployed as types of sensors on the dolly), or attachment to acargo tractor, the electronics module may transmit a responsivecommunication to the cargo tractor itself (e.g., a display of atransceiver on the cargo tractor) or to a user access device operated bya logistics operator of the cargo tractor (e.g., a smartphone orruggedized tablet used by the cargo tractor operator) to prevent thecargo tractor from moving until the pins are in a desired configuration(e.g., are raised to securely engage the cargo containers on the dolly)as well as to notify the operator of which pins need to be placed intothe desired configuration.

FIG. 27 is a diagram of an exemplary cargo dolly enhanced with exemplarysensor-based actuation of cargo securing pins in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. Referring now to FIG. 27 , exemplary cargodolly frame 2700 is similar to exemplary frame 100 with many commonlyreferenced components similar to that shown in FIGS. 1A-1C and similarto exemplary frame 2300 with many commonly referenced components similarto that shown in FIGS. 23-26 . As shown in FIG. 27 , exemplary cargodolly frame 2700 is shown with having multiple different frame sections,such as the front edge 110, the first side edge 115 connected to thefront edge 110, the second side edge 120 connected to the front edge110, the rear edge 125 connected to each of the first side edge 115 andthe second side edge 120, and exemplary tow bar 130 that may beconnected to other externally disposed ground support equipment (e.g., acargo tractor or to other dollies). Exemplary frame 2700 is also shownwith working area or cargo deck 135, which supports cargo beingtransported by dolly frame 2700. Exemplary frame 2700 is also shown withmultiple cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d where each are disposed onthe dolly frame 2700 and movable from a retracted position from belowthe top deck 135 to a deployed position extending at least partiallyabove the top deck 135.

Exemplary frame 2700 is further shown with exemplary pin actuators 2730a-2730 d corresponding to each of the cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d.Each of the pin actuators 2730 a-2730 d are responsive to a controlinput from exemplary electronics control module 2705 to at leastarticulate respective ones of the cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d(individually, in groups, or all of the pins) from the retractedposition to the deployed position. Exemplary electronics control module2705 is shown disposed on the dolly frame 2700 for remotely controllingdeployment of each of the set of cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d byselectively generating the control input for each of the pin actuators2730 a-2730 d. Exemplary pin actuators 2730 a-2730 d for cargo securingpins 2330 a-2330 d may be electronically activated by control signalsfrom the electronics control module 2705 through interface 2835. Suchactuators may, for example, selectively activate one or more of the pinswith electro-mechanical solenoids, pistons, hydraulically actuatedlinks, and the like.

Exemplary frame 2700 also includes different types of sensors coupled tothe exemplary electronics control module 2705. For example, FIG. 27illustrates a connection sensor 2710 that detects when the dolly frameis connected to external ground support equipment, a location sensor2715 (e.g., a GPS and inertial measurement unit) that detects a locationof frame 2700, a motion sensor 2720 that detects motion of frame 2700,and proximity sensors 2725 a-2725 d that detect the proximity of frame2700 to nearby objects, such as a cargo loader at a desired logisticspoint (e.g., a cargo loader next to an aircraft). The exemplary pinactuators 2730 a-2730 d may be implemented to report the status (e.g.,the deployed or retracted position) of respective cargo securing pins2330 a-2330 d (e.g., with pin status sensors implemented as part of theactuators or with separately disposed pin status sensors). In anembodiment, the exemplary electronics control module 2705 isprogrammatically configured to be operative to at least receive sensordata from the sensors (e.g., sensors 2715, 2720, and 2725 a-2725 d) andautomatically actuate the pin actuators 2730 a by generating the controlinput for the cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d when the sensor dataindicates no movement of the dolly frame 2700, the location of the dollyframe 2700 is within a predetermined range of a desired logistics point(such as a particular cargo loader), and the dolly frame 2700 isdetected to be proximate a the cargo loader at the desired logisticspoint.

FIG. 27 further shows exemplary scales 2735 a-2735 f that are disposedon the dolly frame 2700 and coupled to the electronics control module2705, where the scales 2735 a-2735 f detecting a weight supported by thedolly frame 2700. Exemplary scales 2735 a-2735 f may, for example, beimplemented using weight-sensitive pads or strain gauges as a means todetect weight and changes in weight over time. Embodiments may use oneor more scales 2735 a-2735 f to monitor for weight changes over a periodof time, which may be indicative of an unloading or loading situationwhere the frame 2700 should not be moved.

FIG. 27 also shows exemplary actuated chocks 2740 disposed on the dollyframe 2700 and coupled to the electronics control module 2705. Suchexemplary actuated chocks 2740 may deploy and retract wheel chocks toprevent movement of at least one of the frame's wheels 150 in responseto a chock signal from the electronics control module 2705. As such, theelectronics control module 2705 may responsively prevent frame 2700 frommoving under certain conditions as sensed by systems in an embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system 2800 withexemplary control, input, output, and actuated elements used on theexemplary cargo dolly of FIG. 27 as well as with different types ofexemplary external transceivers that may communicate with such dollycomponents in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referringnow to FIG. 28 , exemplary system 2800 includes further details onexemplary electronics control module 2705 as disposed on frame 2700. Anembodiment of exemplary electronics control module 2705 is aprocessor-based system having at least a weatherproof housing 2805mounted to frame 2700. Within the weatherproof housing 2805 (e.g.,waterproof, dust/dirt resistant, and the like), exemplary electronicscontrol module 2705 is shown with a processor 2810 (e.g., amicroprocessor capable of executing program code that programmaticallyconfigures operation of the electronics control module 2705), memory2815 coupled to the processor 2810, a wireless transceiver 2820 coupledto the processor 2810, a speaker 2825 coupled to the processor 2810, auser interface 2830 coupled to the processor 2810, and sensor/actuatorinterface circuitry 2835 also coupled to the processor 2810. Exemplarymemory 2815 may include volatile and non-volatile memory used duringoperation of the electronics control module 2705 in an embodiment.Memory 2815 at least maintains the program code that programmaticallyconfigures operation of the electronics control module 2705 to adapt theprocessing-based system of the module 2705 beyond that of a conventionalor generic computing device. Exemplary sensor/actuator interfacecircuitry 2835 is used as part of module 2705 for receiving sensor datafrom the different sensors in system 2800 and for sending controlsignals to different actuators in system 2800. Embodiments of exemplaryelectronics control module may deploy exemplary user interface 2830 forvisual feedback for the operator of the cargo dolly. This may, forexample, be implemented with a display screen, or status indicator lightor lights that provide a form of visual feedback (e.g., connectionstatus feedback that signifies that the dolly is connected to thetractor and available to be towed or if the dolly is locked in place viachocks (such as actuated chocks 2740)). In more detail, such feedbackfrom the user interface may be visual, audible, and/or haptic. Thefeedback may also be generated in the form of a wireless signaltransmitted to a user access device operated by logistics operators ofthe cargo tractor (e.g., exemplary operators mobile user access device2840, cargo tractor transceiver 2845) and/or to a centralized server2850 that manages and tracks the status of different dollies within afleet of GSE vehicles and other equipment. An exemplary electronicscontrol module 2705 for the dolly may be implemented with a Raspberry Pitype of low-cost computing node that has onboard wireless communications(e.g., Bluetooth, ZigBee, WiFi, Cellular, and the like), sensor &actuator interfacing, memory, and may be battery operated.

As noted above, exemplary connection sensor 2710 is a sensor used todetect connection to other GSE (e.g., tractors, other dollies, and thelike). Exemplary connection sensor 2710 is shown in FIG. 27 disposed onthe tow bar 130, but other embodiments may place the connection sensor2710 in other locations on the dolly frame 2700 (e.g., on a receiver atrear edge 125 of dolly 2700). An embodiment of exemplary connectionsensor 2710 may be implemented as a proximity sensor, as sensor thatelectronically pairs with other GSE equipment through Bluetooth, as acontact sensor that detects contact with other GSE equipment, or ahandshaking communications sensor using a verified handshake uponestablishing a connection between the tractor and the dolly, and thelike. Connection status information may be displayed on user interface2830 and/or with an audible connection status notification throughspeaker 2825. Upon detection of not being linked, an embodiment may havethe dolly's electronics module responsively and automatically deploychocks (e.g., actuated chocks 2740) so as to keep the dolly in astationary status, and provide feedback regarding the dolly's status.

Exemplary wireless transceiver 2820 of electronics control module 2705may be used to transmit and receive signals to and from and otherwisecommunicate with external transceivers, such as a user access deviceoperated by logistics operators of the cargo tractor (e.g., exemplaryoperators mobile user access device 2840, cargo tractor transceiver2845) and/or to a centralized server 2850 that manages and tracks thestatus of different dollies within a fleet of GSE vehicles and otherequipment. As such, exemplary wireless transceiver 2820 of module 2705may notify such an external transceiver of determinations of permissivemove status for dolly frame 2700 based upon one or more types of sensordata (e.g., pin status information on whether cargo securing pins 2330a-2330 d are retracted and the cargo is not secure on working deck 135,etc.). Embodiments where the exemplary dolly has such a wirelesscommunicating electronics control module 2705 may also be used as partof asset tracking solutions that aid in loading/unloading of GSEequipment and dispatching particular dollies from a nearest locationthat may be used as part of loading/unloading operations. Embodimentsmay also have the wireless transceiver 2820 on module 2705 receivinglocation information on the desired logistics point from an externaltransceiver (such as UAD 2840, tractor transceiver 2845, or server 2850)and provide the location information on the desired logistics point tothe memory 2815 on the electronics control module 2705.

An onboard power system 2325 may be used to provide power to onboardelectronics and powered actuators on dolly frame 2700. Such a powersystem 2325 may be one or more batteries or fuel cells, and may bechargeable and/or replaceable components on dolly frame 2700. Chargingmay, for example, be accomplished through kinetic, induction, wirelesscharging, ambient RF charging.

As noted above, operation of such an improved cargo dolly shown in FIGS.27 and 28 has the exemplary electronics control module 2705 beingprogrammatically configured to be operative to at least receive sensordata from the sensors (e.g., sensors 2715, 2720, and/or 2725 a-2725 d)and automatically actuate the pin actuators 2730 a by generating thecontrol input for the cargo securing pins 2330 a-2330 d when the sensordata indicates no movement of the dolly frame 2700, the location of thedolly frame 2700 is within a predetermined range of a desired logisticspoint (such as a particular cargo loader), and the dolly frame 2700 isdetected to be proximate a the cargo loader at the desired logisticspoint.

In a further embodiment, the exemplary electronics control module 2705may also be programmatically configured to be operative to receive pinstatus information from the pin actuators 2730 a-2730 d (where the pinstatus information reflects a position state of the cargo securing pins2330 a-2330 d indicating one of the retracted position and the deployedposition); determine a permissive movement status for the cargo dollybased upon the pin status information; and transmit a permissive moveindicator message via wireless transceiver 2820 to an externaltransceiver based upon the permissive movement status for the cargodolly (where the permissive move indicator message includes arecommendation on allowed movement of the cargo dolly based upon the pinstatus information).

In another embodiment, the electronics control module 2705 may also beprogrammatically further operative to receive connection status datafrom the connection sensor 2710 (where the connection status dataindicates when the dolly frame 2700 is detected to be connected toexternal ground support equipment, such as a tractor or other dolly);determine a permissive movement status for the cargo dolly based uponthe connection status data; and transmit a permissive move indicatormessage to an external transceiver based upon the permissive movementstatus for the cargo dolly (where the permissive move indicator messageincludes a recommendation on allowed movement of the cargo dolly basedupon the connection status data).

In still another embodiment, the electronics control module 2705 mayalso be programmatically further operative to receive pin statusinformation from the pin actuators 2730 a-2730 d (wherein the pin statusinformation reflects a position state of the cargo securing pins 2330a-2330 d indicating one of the retracted position and the deployedposition); receive connection status data from the connection sensor2710 (where the connection status data indicates when the dolly frame2700 is detected to be connected to external ground support equipment);determine a permissive movement status for the cargo dolly based uponthe pin status information and the connection status data; and transmita permissive move indicator message to an external transceiver basedupon the permissive movement status for the cargo dolly (where thepermissive move indicator message includes a recommendation on allowedmovement of the cargo dolly based upon the pin status information andthe connection status data).

A further embodiment may have the electronics control module 2705 beingprogrammatically further operative to receive weight change data fromthe scales (e.g., one or more of scales 2735 a-2735 f) where the weightchange data indicates a change in the weight supported by the dollyframe 2700 over a period of time; determine a permissive movement statusfor the cargo dolly based upon the weight change data; and transmit apermissive move indicator message to an external transceiver based uponthe permissive movement status for the cargo dolly (where the permissivemove indicator message includes a recommendation on allowed movement ofthe cargo dolly based upon the weight change data).

Still another embodiment may have the electronics control module 2705being programmatically further operative to receive connection statusdata from the connection sensor 2710 (where the connection status dataindicates when the dolly frame 2700 is detected to be connected toexternal ground support equipment); and activate the actuated chocks2740 to prevent the at least one of wheels 150 from moving when theconnection status data indicates the dolly frame 2700 is not connectedto the external ground support equipment.

As described above, system 2800 may be used to implement a method forsensor-based actuation of cargo securing pins on an improved cargo dolly(such as that shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 ). FIG. 29 is flow diagram of anexemplary method for sensor-based actuation of cargo securing pins on animproved cargo dolly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.Referring now to FIG. 29 , exemplary method 2900 begins at step 2905where a motion sensor on the dolly frame detects motion of the cargodolly. For example, motion sensor 2720 on dolly frame 2700 may detectmotion of the cargo dolly having frame 2700 as the cargo dollyapproaches or nears a cargo loader at a particular location near anaircraft. At step 2910, method 2900 continues with a location sensor(e.g., exemplary location sensor 2715) on the cargo dolly detecting alocation of the cargo dolly (e.g., detected GPS coordinates for thelocation of the dolly having frame 2700). At step 2915, method 2900continues with a proximity sensor on a side of the dolly frame detectingthe proximity (e.g., distance) of the dolly frame to a cargo loaderrelative to the side of the dolly frame.

At step 2920, method 2900 has an electronics control module (e.g.,module 2705) mounted to the dolly frame determining an alignment of thedolly frame relative to the cargo loader based upon the detected motionof the cargo dolly, the detected location of the cargo dolly, and theproximity of the dolly frame to the cargo loader. For example, exemplarycontrol module 2705 may determine that dolly frame 2700 is not yetaligned with the cargo loader because the cargo dolly is still moving,the detected location of the cargo dolly does not match with a desiredlogistics point (e.g., coordinates for the cargo loader or is not yetwithin a predetermined range of the cargo loader's coordinates, whichmay be externally provided to module 2705 by an external transceiver),and/or the dolly frame is not yet detected to be physically proximate tothe cargo loader at that desired logistics point (e.g., the dolly frameis beyond a threshold distance from the detected cargo loader using theproximity sensor). However, exemplary control module 2705 may determinethat dolly frame 2700 is sufficiently aligned with the cargo loaderbecause the cargo dolly is not moving, the detected location of thecargo dolly matches that of the desired logistics point (e.g.,coordinates for) the cargo loader (or is within a predetermined range ofthe cargo loader), and the dolly frame is detected to be physicallyproximate to the cargo loader at that desired logistics point (e.g., thedolly frame is within a threshold distance from the detected cargoloader using the proximity sensor). Then, at step 2925, method 2900 hasthe electronics control module automatically actuating pin actuatorscoupled to the cargo securing pins based upon the determined alignmentof the dolly frame relative to the cargo loader. For example, exemplaryelectronics control module may generate one or more control signals andprovide those signals to pin actuators 2730 a-2730 d coupled to cargosecuring pins 2330 a-2330 d based upon a determination that dolly frame2700 is sufficiently aligned with a proximately disposed cargo loader ata desired logistics point where that cargo loader is located.

A further embodiment of method 2900 may include receiving user inputfrom a user input device disposed on the dolly frame (e.g., a key,switch, touchscreen, and the like implemented as part of user interface2820). As such, this further embodiment of method 2900 may implementstep 2920 of determining the alignment of the dolly frame relative tothe cargo loader as being based upon the detected motion of the cargodolly, the detected location of the cargo dolly, the proximity of thedolly frame to the cargo loader, and the user input from the user inputdevice. For example, the additional consideration of user input mayallow the operator to provide an override that then allows the normallyautomatic actuation of cargo securing pins (e.g., from a secure deployedposition to a retracted position) to consider, for example, if theoperator is ready for such automatic actuation of the pins.

Another embodiment of method 2900 may also have the electronics controlmodule receiving pin status information from the pin actuators, wherethe pin status information reflects a position state of the cargosecuring pins (e.g., indicating one of the retracted position and thedeployed position); determining a permissive movement status for thecargo dolly based upon the pin status information; and transmitting apermissive move indicator message to an external transceiver based uponthe permissive movement status for the cargo dolly (where the permissivemove indicator message includes a recommendation on allowed movement ofthe cargo dolly based upon the pin status information). Such an externaltransceiver, in this further embodiment, may be a user access deviceoperated by a logistics operator of a cargo tractor associated with thecargo dolly (e.g., operator mobile UAD 2840, such as a smartphone,tablet, or other mobile computing device with wireless communicationcapabilities), a transceiver on the tractor itself (e.g., transceiver2845), or a central server (e.g., server 2850) associated with a fleetof ground support equipment, wherein the cargo dolly is part of theplurality of ground support equipment.

In still another embodiment, method 2900 may further include steps wherethe electronics control module is receiving pin status information fromthe pin actuators, where the pin status information reflects a positionstate of the cargo securing pins (e.g., indicating one of the retractedposition and the deployed position); receiving connection status datafrom a connection sensor disposed on the dolly frame, where theconnection status data indicates when the dolly frame is detected to beconnected to external ground support equipment; determining, apermissive movement status for the cargo dolly based upon the pin statusinformation and the connection status data; and transmitting apermissive move indicator message to an external transceiver based uponthe permissive movement status for the cargo dolly (where the permissivemove indicator message includes a recommendation on allowed movement ofthe cargo dolly based upon the pin status information and the connectionstatus data).

In yet another embodiment, method 2900 may further include steps wherethe electronics control module is receiving weight change data fromscales disposed on the dolly frame (e.g., exemplary scales 2735 a-2735f) that detect a weight supported by the dolly frame, where the weightchange data indicates a change in the weight supported by the dollyframe over a period of time; determining a permissive movement statusfor the cargo dolly based upon the weight change data; and transmittinga permissive move indicator message to an external transceiver basedupon the permissive movement status for the cargo dolly (where thepermissive move indicator message includes a recommendation on allowedmovement of the cargo dolly based upon the weight change data).

In further embodiment, method may further include steps where theelectronics control module is receiving connection status data from aconnection sensor (e.g., sensor 2710) disposed on the dolly frame, wherethe connection status data indicates when the dolly frame is detected tobe connected to external ground support equipment; and activatingactuated chocks (e.g., exemplary actuated chocks 2740) disposed on thedolly frame when the connection status data indicates the dolly frame isnot connected to the external ground support equipment. The actuatedchocks may deploy as activated to be proximate at least one of thedolly's wheels in response to a chock signal from the electronicscontrol module to prevent the at least one in the set of wheels frommoving.

Further embodiments consistent with what is shown in FIG. 28 may alsoinclude an exemplary system that uses an improved cargo dolly asdescribed above along with one or more of the external transceivers sothat the improved cargo dolly operates to automatically use such asensor-based actuation of cargo securing pins but may also interact withone or more of the external transceivers to receive location informationon a desired logistics point where such pins may be actuated and toreceive notifications regarding the status of the improved cargo dollyas well as one or more of the above-described permissive move indicatormessages with a recommendation on allowed movement of the improved cargodolly.

What follows is a further collective description of differentembodiments consistent with and exemplified by the above description.

Further Embodiment (Set B)—Articulating Linkage

1. An improved cargo dolly for transporting cargo, the improved cargodolly comprising:

-   -   a dolly frame, wherein a portion of the dolly frame supports the        cargo from beneath the cargo,    -   a set of wheels attached to the dolly frame, wherein the set of        wheels supports the dolly frame and rotates to allow movement of        the dolly frame;    -   an operator station disposed on a front part of the dolly frame,        wherein the operator station comprises a manually operated chain        and sprocket assembly;    -   a locking pin disposed on an edge of the dolly frame, the        locking pin having a first end rotatably attached to the dolly        frame, a middle portion, and a second end extending from the        rotatable first end;    -   a longitudinal link disposed on the dolly frame, the        longitudinal link being articulated in response to rotation of        the chain and sprocket assembly at the operator station; and    -   a pin linkage having a first end attached to the longitudinal        link and a second end rotatably attached to the middle portion        of the locking pin; and    -   wherein articulation of the longitudinal link in response to        rotation of the chain and sprocket assembly causes the second        end of the locking pin to remotely move above the dolly frame        from a withdrawn position to a raised position.

2. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1, wherein the operatorstation further comprises a handle mechanically linked to one end of thechain and sprocket assembly whereby rotational movement of the handleresponsively causes the chain and sprocket assembly to rotate andarticulate the longitudinal link at the other end of the chain andsprocket assembly.

3. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1, wherein the chain andsprocket assembly comprises:

-   -   a support member having a first end fixed to the front part of        the dolly frame and a second end disposed above the dolly frame;    -   a first sprocket rotatably mounted to second end of the support        member;    -   a handle responsively mounted to a side of the first sprocket        where movement of the handle causes rotation of the first        sprocket;    -   a first chain disposed about the first sprocket;    -   a set of second sprockets rotatably mounted to the front part of        the dolly frame, wherein the first chain is disposed about a        first of the second sprockets;    -   a shaft disposed within the area defined by the dolly frame and        in contact with the longitudinal link, wherein rotation of the        shaft articulates the longitudinal link;    -   a third sprocket fixed to the shaft;    -   a second chain disposed about a second of the second sprockets        and disposed about the third sprocket; and    -   wherein movement of the first sprocket by the handle causes        movement of the first chain, which causes movement of the set of        the second sprockets, which causes movement of the second chain,        which causes movement of the shaft and articulation of the        longitudinal link.

4. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1 further comprising aplurality of linkage guides disposed along the dolly frame to hold thelongitudinal link in an orientation that extends along a length of thedolly frame as the longitudinal link articulates along the length of thedolly frame.

5. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 2, wherein movement of thehandle in a first rotational direction causes the second end of thelocking pin to extend above the dolly frame from the withdrawn positionto the raised position representing a secure configuration of thelocking pin and the cargo.

6. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 5, wherein the locking pinrotates towards an attachment point on the cargo to securely interfacewith the attachment point on the cargo when the locking pin is moved tothe raised position by moving the handle in the first rotationaldirection.

7. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 2, wherein movement of thehandle in a second rotational direction causes the second end of thelocking pin to retract from the raised position to the withdrawnposition to release the cargo.

8. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 7, wherein the locking pinrotates away from an attachment point on the cargo to release the cargowhen the locking pin is moved to the withdrawn position by moving thehandle in the second rotational direction.

9. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1 further comprising a pinlock disposed on a locking pin support base fixed to the dolly frame,the pin lock being selectively movable to extend from the locking pinsupport base into a pin lock depression disposed on the locking pin tosecure the locking pin in the raised position.

10. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1 further comprising a pincradle disposed on the edge of the dolly frame, the pin cradle securelyholding the locking pin in the raised position and allowing movement ofthe locking pin from the raised position to the withdrawn position inresponse to movement of the pin linkage and longitudinal link.

11. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 10, wherein the locking pinfurther comprises:

-   -   a pin tab movably mounted in the pin cradle; and    -   a spring-biased movable fitting disposed within an aperture in        the pin tab, the spring-biased movable fitting being secured to        the pin cradle and allowing the pin tab to be articulated from        the raised position to the withdrawn position in response to        movement of the pin linkage and longitudinal link.

12. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 2, wherein chain and sprocketassembly further comprises a pinion gear coupled to the longitudinallink;

-   -   wherein the longitudinal link comprises a geared linkage        response to the pinion gear on the chain and sprocket assembly        as the pinion gear is rotated by the handle.

13. An improved cargo dolly for transporting cargo, the improved cargodolly comprising:

-   -   a dolly frame, wherein a portion of the dolly frame supports the        cargo from beneath the cargo,    -   a set of wheels attached to the dolly frame, wherein the set of        wheels supports the dolly frame and rotates to allow movement of        the dolly frame;    -   an operator station disposed on a front part of the dolly frame,        wherein the operator station comprises        -   a handle that receives operator input,        -   a hydraulically actuated assembly responsive to movement of            the handle based on the operator input, and        -   an articulating gear moved by the hydraulically actuated            assembly responsive to movement of the handle;    -   a locking pin disposed on an edge of the dolly frame, the        locking pin having a first end rotatably attached to the dolly        frame, a middle portion, and a second end extending from the        rotatable first end;    -   a longitudinal link disposed on the dolly frame and having        gearing coupled to the articulating gear of the operator        station, the longitudinal link being articulated in response to        the operator input on the handle of the hydraulically actuated        assembly at the operator station and rotation of the        articulating gear engaging with the gearing of the longitudinal        link; and    -   a pin linkage having a first end attached to the longitudinal        link and a second end rotatably attached to the middle portion        of the locking pin; and    -   wherein articulation of the longitudinal link in response to the        operator input on the handle causes the second end of the        locking pin to remotely move above the dolly frame from a        withdrawn position to a raised position.

Further Embodiment (Set C)—Movable Control System for Remote PinActuation

1. An improved cargo dolly for transporting cargo, the improved cargodolly comprising:

-   -   a dolly frame comprising a first frame section and a movable        frame section attached to the first frame section;    -   a set of wheels attached to the dolly frame, wherein the set of        wheels supports the dolly frame and rotates to allow movement of        the dolly frame;    -   a set of cargo securing pins that are each movable from a        retracted position to a deployed position;    -   an electronics control module disposed on the dolly frame for        remotely controlling deployment of the set of cargo securing        pins;    -   an operator station disposed on the movable section of the dolly        frame, wherein the operator station further comprises an        operator control system interface disposed on the movable frame        section, the operator control system interface comprising at        least        -   a first user input device operatively in communication with            the electronics control module,        -   a status indicator providing feedback on status information            related to the set of cargo securing pins and the movable            frame section of the dolly frame; and    -   a deployment switch mounted to the dolly frame that secures and        releases the movable frame section of the dolly frame having the        operator station.

2. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1, wherein the movable framesection is attached to the first frame section in a recessed portion onthe first frame section, wherein the deployment switch releases themovable frame section from a stored position on a side of the firstframe section to a user position.

3. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1, wherein the movable framesection is attached to the first frame section as a folded portionattached on a side of the first frame section, wherein the deploymentswitch releases the movable frame section from a stored position to auser position.

4. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1, wherein the movable framesection is attached to the first frame section as a removable portionattached on a side of the first frame section, wherein the deploymentswitch releases the movable frame section from a stored position on theside of the first frame section to a user position repositioned on theside of the first frame section.

5. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 2, wherein the side of thefirst frame section comprises one of a front edge of the dolly frame anda rear edge of the dolly frame.

6. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1 further comprising a latchresponsive to the deployment switch, the latch being disposed on thefirst frame section to secure the movable frame section in a storedposition and to release the moveable frame section from the storedposition in response to the deployment switch.

7. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1 further comprising amoveable frame section actuator responsive to the deployment switch, themoveable frame section actuator being disposed on the first framesection and in communication with the movable frame section, themoveable frame section actuator being operable to cause the movableframe section to extend from the first frame section from a storedposition to a deployed user position in response to the deploymentswitch, the moveable frame section actuator being further operable tocause the movable frame section to articulate and retract relative tothe first frame section from the deployed user position to the storedposition in response to the deployment switch.

8. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1, further comprising one ormore securing pin actuators coupled to the set of cargo securing pins,the securing pin actuators being responsive to first control inputreceived by the first user input device to cause the cargo securing pinsto move from their respective retracted position to their respectivedeployed position to secure the cargo, the securing pin actuators beingresponsive to second control input received by the first user inputdevice to cause the cargo securing pins to move from their respectivedeployed position to their respective retracted position to release thecargo.

9. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 8, wherein the electronicscontrol module is programmatically operative to

-   -   receive the first control input from the first user input        device,    -   generate a first control signal responsive to the first control        input,    -   transmit the first control signal to the securing pin actuators        to cause the cargo securing pins to move from their respective        retracted position to their respective deployed position to        secure the cargo,    -   receive the second control input from the first user input        device,    -   generate a second control signal responsive to the first control        input,    -   transmit the second control signal to the securing pin actuators        to cause the cargo securing pins to move from their respective        deployed position to their respective retracted position to        release the cargo.

10. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1, wherein the first userinput device comprises one from a group comprising a key, a switch, ajoy stick, and a touchscreen.

11. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1, wherein the statusindicator comprises one from a group comprising a light and a speaker.

12. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1, wherein the statusindicator comprises a display disposed on the operator control systeminterface, the display providing a first generated message on thedisplay representing the feedback on the status information related tothe state of cargo securing pins.

13. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1, wherein the statusindicator comprises a display disposed on the operator control systeminterface, the display providing a second generated message on thedisplay representing the feedback on the status information related tothe state of the movable frame section.

14. An improved cargo dolly for transporting cargo, the improved cargodolly comprising:

-   -   a dolly frame comprising a first frame section and a movable        frame section attached to the first frame section;    -   a latch disposed on the first frame to selectively secure the        movable frame section in a stored position and selectively        release the moveable frame section from the stored position to a        deployed user position of the movable frame section;    -   a set of wheels attached to the dolly frame, wherein the set of        wheels supports the dolly frame and rotates to allow movement of        the dolly frame;    -   a set of cargo securing pins that are each movable from a        retracted position to a deployed position;    -   an electronics control module disposed on the dolly frame for        remotely controlling deployment of the set of cargo securing        pins;    -   an operator station disposed on the movable section of the dolly        frame, wherein the operator station further comprises an        operator control system interface disposed on the movable frame        section, the operator control system interface comprising at        least        -   a first user input device operatively in communication with            the electronics control module,        -   a status indicator providing feedback on status information            related to the set of cargo securing pins and the movable            frame section of the dolly frame; and    -   a deployment switch mounted to the dolly frame, wherein        depressing the deployment switch responsively releases the latch        to release the movable frame section from the stored position.

15. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 14, wherein the first framesection comprises a front edge of the dolly frame.

16. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 14, wherein the first framesection comprises a rear edge of the dolly frame.

17. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 14 further comprising amoveable frame section actuator being disposed on the first framesection and in articulating communication with the movable framesection, the moveable frame section actuator being operable in responseto first input from the deployment switch to cause the movable framesection to extend from the first frame section from the stored positionto the deployed user position, the moveable frame section actuator beingfurther operable in response to second input from the deployment switchto cause the movable frame section to articulate and retract relative tothe first frame section from the deployed user position to the storedposition in response to the deployment switch.

18. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 14 further comprising amoveable frame section actuator being disposed on the first framesection and in articulating communication with the movable framesection, the moveable frame section actuator being operable in responseto first input from the deployment switch to cause the latch toselectively release the moveable frame section from the stored positionto the deployed user position of the movable frame section.

19. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 14 further comprising aplurality securing pin actuators respectively coupled to each in the setof cargo securing pins, wherein the securing pin actuators beingresponsive to first control input received by the first user inputdevice to cause each of the cargo securing pins to move from theirrespective retracted position to their respective deployed position tosecure the cargo, the securing pin actuators being responsive to secondcontrol input received by the first user input device to cause the cargosecuring pins to move from their respective deployed position to theirrespective retracted position to release the cargo.

20. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 14 further comprising aplurality selectively activated securing pin actuators respectivelycoupled to each in the set of cargo securing pins, wherein each of theselectively activated securing pin actuators being responsive to deploycontrol input received by the first user input device to cause arespective one of the cargo securing pins to move from a retractedposition to a deployed position to facilitate securing the cargo,wherein each of the selectively activated securing pin actuators beingresponsive to retract control input received by the first user inputdevice to cause the respective one of the cargo securing pins to movefrom the deployed position to the retracted position to at leastpartially release the cargo.

Further Embodiment (Set D)—Sensor-based Auto Actuation of Cargo HoldingPin

1. An improved cargo dolly having sensor-based actuation capabilities,the cargo dolly comprising:

-   -   a dolly frame having a top deck for supporting cargo;    -   a set of wheels attached to the dolly frame, wherein the set of        wheels supports the dolly frame and rotates to allow movement of        the dolly frame;    -   a set of cargo securing pins that are each disposed on the dolly        frame and movable from a retracted position from below the top        deck to a deployed position extending at least partially above        the top deck;    -   a plurality of pin actuators corresponding to each of the cargo        securing pins, each of the pin actuators being responsive to a        control input to at least articulate the respective one of the        cargo securing pins from the retracted position to the deployed        position;    -   an electronics control module disposed on the dolly frame for        remotely controlling deployment of each of the set of cargo        securing pins by selectively generating the control input for        each of the pin actuators;    -   a plurality of sensors coupled to the electronics control        module, wherein a first of the sensors detects motion of the        dolly frame, wherein a second of the sensors detects a location        of the dolly frame, and wherein a third of the sensors detects        proximity of the dolly frame to an object on at least one side        of the dolly frame;    -   wherein the electronics control module is programmatically        configured to be operative to at least        -   receive sensor data from the sensors,        -   automatically actuate the pin actuators by generating the            control input for the cargo securing pins when the sensor            data indicates no movement of the dolly frame, the location            of the dolly frame is within a predetermined range of a            desired logistics point, and the dolly frame is detected to            be proximate a cargo loader at the desired logistics point.

2. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1, wherein the third of thesensors detects proximity of the dolly frame to the cargo loader as theobject on the at least one side of the dolly frame.

3. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1, wherein the electronicscontrol module comprises:

-   -   a weatherproof housing;    -   a processor disposed within the weatherproof housing;    -   a memory coupled to the processor, the memory maintaining        program code that programmatically configures operation of the        electronics control module;    -   a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor;    -   a sensor interface coupled to the processor and connected to the        sensors, the sensor interface receiving the sensor data from        each of the first of the sensors, the second of the sensors, and        the third of the sensors; and    -   an actuator interface coupled to the processor and connected to        the pin actuators to provide the control input to the pin        actuators to activate the pin actuators.

4. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 3, wherein the wirelesstransceiver receives location information on the desired logistics pointfrom an external transceiver and provide the location information on thedesired logistics point to the memory on the electronics control module.

5. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 4, wherein the externaltransceiver comprises a user access device operated by a logisticsoperator of a cargo tractor associated with the improved cargo dolly.

6. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 4, wherein the externaltransceiver comprises a central server associated with a plurality ofground support equipment, wherein the improved cargo dolly is part ofthe plurality of ground support equipment.

7. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 3 further comprising aconnection sensor coupled to the sensor interface and disposed on thedolly frame that detects when the dolly frame is connected to externalground support equipment.

8. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 7, wherein the electronicscontrol module further comprises a user interface coupled to theprocessor, the user interface being operative to display a connectionstatus generated by the processor based upon connection data received bythe processor from the connection sensor.

9. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 8, wherein the user interfacecomprises a display screen.

10. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 8, wherein the user interfacecomprises a status indicator light.

11. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 7, wherein the electronicscontrol module further comprises a speaker coupled to the processor, thespeaker being operative to generate an audible connection statusnotification in response to an audible signal provided by the processorbased upon connection data received by the processor from the connectionsensor.

12. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1, wherein the electronicscontrol module is programmatically further operative to determine analignment of the dolly frame relative to the cargo loader using at leastproximity data from the third of the sensors, the alignment indicatingwhether the dolly frame is detected to be proximate the cargo loader atthe desired logistics point.

13. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1, wherein the electronicscontrol module is programmatically further operative to determine analignment of the dolly frame relative to the cargo loader using locationdata from the second of the sensors and proximity data from the third ofthe sensors, the alignment indicating whether the dolly frame isdetected to be proximate the cargo loader at the desired logisticspoint.

14. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1 further comprising a userinput device coupled to the electronics control module;

-   -   wherein the electronics control module is programmatically        further operative to determine an alignment of the dolly frame        relative to the cargo loader using input from the user input        device, location data from the second of the sensors and        proximity data from the third of the sensors, the alignment        indicating whether the dolly frame is detected to be proximate        the cargo loader at the desired logistics point.

15. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1, wherein the electronicscontrol module is programmatically further operative to

-   -   receive pin status information from the pin actuators, wherein        the pin status information reflects a position state of the        cargo securing pins indicating one of the retracted position and        the deployed position;    -   determine a permissive movement status for the cargo dolly based        upon the pin status information; and    -   transmit a permissive move indicator message to an external        transceiver based upon the permissive movement status for the        cargo dolly, the permissive move indicator message including a        recommendation on allowed movement of the cargo dolly based upon        the pin status information.

16. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 15, wherein the externaltransceiver comprises a user access device operated by a logisticsoperator of a cargo tractor associated with the improved cargo dolly.

17. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 16, wherein the permissivemove indicator message identifies which of the cargo securing pins arein the retracted position causing the permissive movement status for thecargo dolly to indicate movement of the cargo dolly is not allowed.

18. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 15, wherein the externaltransceiver comprises a central server associated with a plurality ofground support equipment, wherein the improved cargo dolly is part ofthe plurality of ground support equipment.

19. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 15, wherein the externaltransceiver comprises a cargo tractor transceiver disposed on a cargotractor associated with the improved cargo dolly.

20. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 7, wherein the electronicscontrol module is programmatically further operative to

-   -   receive connection status data from the connection sensor,        wherein the connection status data indicates when the dolly        frame is detected to be connected to external ground support        equipment;    -   determine a permissive movement status for the cargo dolly based        upon the connection status data; and    -   transmit a permissive move indicator message to an external        transceiver based upon the permissive movement status for the        cargo dolly, the permissive move indicator message including a        recommendation on allowed movement of the cargo dolly based upon        the connection status data.

21. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 7, wherein the electronicscontrol module is programmatically further operative to:

-   -   receive pin status information from the pin actuators, wherein        the pin status information reflects a position state of the        cargo securing pins indicating one of the retracted position and        the deployed position;    -   receive connection status data from the connection sensor,        wherein the connection status data indicates when the dolly        frame is detected to be connected to external ground support        equipment;    -   determine a permissive movement status for the cargo dolly based        upon the pin status information and the connection status data;        and    -   transmit a permissive move indicator message to an external        transceiver based upon the permissive movement status for the        cargo dolly, the permissive move indicator message including a        recommendation on allowed movement of the cargo dolly based upon        the pin status information and the connection status data.

22. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 1 further comprising aplurality of scales disposed on the dolly frame and coupled to theelectronics control module, the scales detecting a weight supported bythe dolly frame;

-   -   wherein the electronics control module is programmatically        further operative to        -   receive weight change data from the scales, wherein the            weight change data indicates a change in the weight            supported by the dolly frame over a period of time;        -   determine a permissive movement status for the cargo dolly            based upon the weight change data; and        -   transmit a permissive move indicator message to an external            transceiver based upon the permissive movement status for            the cargo dolly, the permissive move indicator message            including a recommendation on allowed movement of the cargo            dolly based upon the weight change data.

23. The improved cargo dolly of embodiment 7, further comprising aplurality of actuated chocks disposed on the dolly frame and coupled tothe electronics control module, the actuated chocks being operative todeploy proximate at least one in the set of wheels in response to achock signal from the electronics control module to prevent the at leastone in the set of wheels from moving;

-   -   wherein the electronics control module is programmatically        further operative to        -   receive connection status data from the connection sensor,            wherein the connection status data indicates when the dolly            frame is detected to be connected to external ground support            equipment; and        -   activate the actuated chocks to prevent the at least one in            the set of wheels from moving when the connection status            data indicates the dolly frame is not connected to the            external ground support equipment.

24. A method for sensor-based actuation of cargo securing pins on animproved cargo dolly, the cargo dolly having a dolly frame and wheelscoupled to the dolly frame, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   detecting, by a motion sensor on the cargo dolly, motion of the        cargo dolly;    -   detecting, by a location sensor on the cargo dolly, a location        of the cargo dolly;    -   detecting, by a proximity sensor on a side of the dolly frame, a        proximity of the dolly frame to a cargo loader relative to the        side of the dolly frame;    -   determining, by an electronics control module mounted to the        dolly frame, an alignment of the dolly frame relative to the        cargo loader based upon the detected motion of the cargo dolly,        the detected location of the cargo dolly, and the proximity of        the dolly frame to the cargo loader; and    -   automatically actuating, by the electronics control module, pin        actuators coupled to the cargo securing pins based upon the        determined alignment of the dolly frame relative to the cargo        loader.

25. The method of embodiment 24 further comprising the step of receivinguser input from a user input device disposed on the dolly frame; and

-   -   wherein the step of determining the alignment of the dolly frame        relative to the cargo loader is based upon the detected motion        of the cargo dolly, the detected location of the cargo dolly,        the proximity of the dolly frame to the cargo loader, and the        user input from the user input device, wherein the alignment        indicating whether the dolly frame is proximate the cargo loader        at a desired logistics point.

26. The method of embodiment 25 further comprising the step of receivinglocation information on the desired logistics point from an externaltransceiver.

27. The method of embodiment 24 further comprising the steps of:

-   -   receiving, by the electronics control module, pin status        information from the pin actuators, wherein the pin status        information reflects a position state of the cargo securing pins        indicating one of the retracted position and the deployed        position;    -   determining, by the electronics control module, a permissive        movement status for the cargo dolly based upon the pin status        information; and    -   transmitting, by the electronics control module, a permissive        move indicator message to an external transceiver based upon the        permissive movement status for the cargo dolly, the permissive        move indicator message including a recommendation on allowed        movement of the cargo dolly based upon the pin status        information.

28. The method of embodiment 27, wherein the external transceivercomprises a user access device operated by a logistics operator of acargo tractor associated with the cargo dolly.

29. The method of embodiment 27, wherein the external transceivercomprises a central server associated with a plurality of ground supportequipment, wherein the cargo dolly is part of the plurality of groundsupport equipment.

30. The method of embodiment 24 further comprising the steps of:

-   -   receiving, by the electronics control module, pin status        information from the pin actuators, wherein the pin status        information reflects a position state of the cargo securing pins        indicating one of the retracted position and the deployed        position;    -   receiving, by the electronics control module, connection status        data from a connection sensor disposed on the dolly frame,        wherein the connection status data indicates when the dolly        frame is detected to be connected to external ground support        equipment;    -   determining, by the electronics control module, a permissive        movement status for the cargo dolly based upon the pin status        information and the connection status data; and    -   transmitting, by the electronics control module, a permissive        move indicator message to an external transceiver based upon the        permissive movement status for the cargo dolly, the permissive        move indicator message including a recommendation on allowed        movement of the cargo dolly based upon the pin status        information and the connection status data.

31. The method of embodiment 24 further comprising the steps of:

-   -   receiving, by the electronics control module, weight change data        from a plurality of scales disposed on the dolly frame that        detect a weight supported by the dolly frame, wherein the weight        change data indicates a change in the weight supported by the        dolly frame over a period of time;    -   determining, by the electronics control module, a permissive        movement status for the cargo dolly based upon the weight change        data; and    -   transmitting, by the electronics control module, a permissive        move indicator message to an external transceiver based upon the        permissive movement status for the cargo dolly, the permissive        move indicator message including a recommendation on allowed        movement of the cargo dolly based upon the weight change data.

32. The method of embodiment 24 further comprising the steps of:

-   -   receiving, by the electronics control module, connection status        data from a connection sensor disposed on the dolly frame,        wherein the connection status data indicates when the dolly        frame is detected to be connected to external ground support        equipment; and    -   activating, by the electronics control module, a plurality of        actuated chocks disposed on the dolly frame when the connection        status data indicates the dolly frame is not connected to the        external ground support equipment, the actuated chocks being        operative to deploy as activated to be proximate at least one in        the set of wheels in response to a chock signal from the        electronics control module to prevent the at least one in the        set of wheels from moving.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments disclosedand explained above using such an exemplary electronics control moduleonboard a cargo dolly may be implemented with an apparatus or system ofsensors, actuators, feedback systems, communication interfaces, powersupplies, and one or more software modules running on the processor ofthe electronics control module as described above. Such software modulesmay be stored on non-transitory computer-readable medium in theelectronic control module. Thus, when executing such software modules,the electronics control module and any of its peripheral sensors,actuators, feedback systems, and communication interfaces may beoperative to perform the operations or steps from the processembodiments disclosed above, including variations of those processes.

In summary, it should be emphasized that the sequence of operations toperform any of the processes/methods and variations of the methodsdescribed in the embodiments herein are merely exemplary, and that avariety of sequences of operations may be followed while still beingtrue and in accordance with the principles of the present invention asunderstood by one skilled in the art.

At least some portions of exemplary embodiments outlined above may beused in association with portions of other exemplary embodiments toenhance and improve logistics operations (such as cargo and packageloading, transport, and unloading) using dolly that may be enhanced orimproved to allow for remote control of one or pins on the dolly so thatthey may be dropped/moved on one or more sides of the dolly from anotherside of the dolly at the same time while avoiding the need for humanintervention between the dolly and the container loader and enhancedonboard electronics that further improved on use of such an improveddolly.

As noted above, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be usedindependently from one another and/or in combination with one anotherand may have applications to devices and methods not disclosed herein.Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments mayprovide one or more advantages, and not all embodiments necessarilyprovide all or more than one particular advantage as set forth here.Additionally, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications and variations can be made to the structures andmethodologies described herein. Thus, it should be understood that theinvention is not limited to the subject matter discussed in thedescription. Rather, the present invention, as recited in the claimsbelow, is intended to cover modifications and variations.

What is claimed:
 1. An improved cargo dolly having sensor-basedactuation capabilities, the cargo dolly comprising: a dolly frame havinga top deck for supporting cargo; a set of wheels attached to the dollyframe, wherein the set of wheels supports the dolly frame and rotates toallow movement of the dolly frame; a set of cargo securing pins that areeach disposed on the dolly frame and movable from a retracted positionfrom below the top deck to a deployed position extending at leastpartially above the top deck; a plurality of pin actuators correspondingto each of the cargo securing pins, each of the pin actuators beingresponsive to a control input to at least articulate the respective oneof the cargo securing pins from the retracted position to the deployedposition; an electronics control module disposed on the dolly frame forremotely controlling deployment of each of the set of cargo securingpins by selectively generating the control input for each of the pinactuators; a plurality of sensors coupled to the electronics controlmodule, wherein a first of the sensors detects motion of the dolly frameand wherein a second of the sensors detects proximity of the dolly frameto an object on at least one side of the dolly frame; wherein theelectronics control module is programmatically configured to beoperative to at least receive sensor data from the sensors,automatically actuate the pin actuators by generating the control inputfor the cargo securing pins when the sensor data indicates no movementof the dolly frame and the dolly frame is detected to be proximate acargo loader.
 2. The improved cargo dolly of claim 1, wherein the secondof the sensors detects proximity of the dolly frame to the cargo loaderas the object on the at least one side of the dolly frame.
 3. Theimproved cargo dolly of claim 1, wherein the electronics control modulecomprises: a weatherproof housing; a processor disposed within theweatherproof housing; a memory coupled to the processor, the memorymaintaining program code that programmatically configures operation ofthe electronics control module; a wireless transceiver coupled to theprocessor; a sensor interface coupled to the processor and connected tothe sensors, the sensor interface receiving the sensor data from each ofthe first of the sensors, the second of the sensors, and the third ofthe sensors; and an actuator interface coupled to the processor andconnected to the pin actuators to provide the control input to the pinactuators to activate the pin actuators.
 4. The improved cargo dolly ofclaim 3, wherein the wireless transceiver receives location informationon the desired logistics point from an external transceiver and providesthe location information on the desired logistics point to the memory onthe electronics control module.
 5. The improved cargo dolly of claim 4,wherein the external transceiver comprises a user access device operatedby a logistics operator of a cargo tractor associated with the improvedcargo dolly.
 6. The improved cargo dolly of claim 4, wherein theexternal transceiver comprises a central server associated with aplurality of ground support equipment, wherein the improved cargo dollyis part of the plurality of ground support equipment.
 7. The improvedcargo dolly of claim 3 further comprising a connection sensor coupled tothe sensor interface and disposed on the dolly frame that detects whenthe dolly frame is connected to external ground support equipment. 8.The improved cargo dolly of claim 7, wherein the electronics controlmodule further comprises a user interface coupled to the processor, theuser interface being operative to display a connection status generatedby the processor based upon connection data received by the processorfrom the connection sensor.
 9. The improved cargo dolly of claim 8,wherein the user interface comprises a display screen.
 10. The improvedcargo dolly of claim 8, wherein the user interface comprises a statusindicator light.
 11. The improved cargo dolly of claim 7, wherein theelectronics control module further comprises a speaker coupled to theprocessor, the speaker being operative to generate an audible connectionstatus notification in response to an audible signal provided by theprocessor based upon connection data received by the processor from theconnection sensor.
 12. The improved cargo dolly of claim 7, wherein theelectronics control module is programmatically further operative toreceive connection status data from the connection sensor, wherein theconnection status data indicates when the dolly frame is detected to beconnected to external ground support equipment; determine a permissivemovement status for the cargo dolly based upon the connection statusdata; and transmit a permissive move indicator message to an externaltransceiver based upon the permissive movement status for the cargodolly, the permissive move indicator message including a recommendationon allowed movement of the cargo dolly based upon the connection statusdata.
 13. The improved cargo dolly of claim 7, wherein the electronicscontrol module is programmatically further operative to: receive pinstatus information from the pin actuators, wherein the pin statusinformation reflects a position state of the cargo securing pinsindicating one of the retracted position and the deployed position;receive connection status data from the connection sensor, wherein theconnection status data indicates when the dolly frame is detected to beconnected to external ground support equipment; determine a permissivemovement status for the cargo dolly based upon the pin statusinformation and the connection status data; and transmit a permissivemove indicator message to an external transceiver based upon thepermissive movement status for the cargo dolly, the permissive moveindicator message including a recommendation on allowed movement of thecargo dolly based upon the pin status information and the connectionstatus data.
 14. The improved cargo dolly of claim 7, further comprisinga plurality of actuated chocks disposed on the dolly frame and coupledto the electronics control module, the actuated chocks being operativeto deploy proximate at least one in the set of wheels in response to achock signal from the electronics control module to prevent the at leastone in the set of wheels from moving; wherein the electronics controlmodule is programmatically further operative to receive connectionstatus data from the connection sensor, wherein the connection statusdata indicates when the dolly frame is detected to be connected toexternal ground support equipment; and activate the actuated chocks toprevent the at least one in the set of wheels from moving when theconnection status data indicates the dolly frame is not connected to theexternal ground support equipment.
 15. The improved cargo dolly of claim1, wherein the electronics control module is programmatically furtheroperative to determine an alignment of the dolly frame relative to thecargo loader using at least proximity data from the second of thesensors, the alignment indicating whether the dolly frame is detected tobe proximate the cargo loader.
 16. The improved cargo dolly of claim 1,wherein the plurality of sensors includes a third of the sensors thatdetects location and wherein the electronics control module isprogrammatically further operative to determine an alignment of thedolly frame relative to the cargo loader using location data from thethird of the sensors and proximity data from the second of the sensors,the alignment indicating whether the dolly frame is detected to beproximate the cargo loader at the desired logistics point.
 17. Theimproved cargo dolly of claim 1 further comprising a user input devicecoupled to the electronics control module; wherein the electronicscontrol module is programmatically further operative to determine analignment of the dolly frame relative to the cargo loader using inputfrom the user input device and proximity data from the second of thesensors, the alignment indicating whether the dolly frame is detected tobe proximate the cargo loader.
 18. The improved cargo dolly of claim 1,wherein the electronics control module is programmatically furtheroperative to receive pin status information from the pin actuators,wherein the pin status information reflects a position state of thecargo securing pins indicating one of the retracted position and thedeployed position; determine a permissive movement status for the cargodolly based upon the pin status information; and transmit a permissivemove indicator message to an external transceiver based upon thepermissive movement status for the cargo dolly, the permissive moveindicator message including a recommendation on allowed movement of thecargo dolly based upon the pin status information.
 19. The improvedcargo dolly of claim 18, wherein the external transceiver comprises auser access device operated by a logistics operator of a cargo tractorassociated with the improved cargo dolly.
 20. The improved cargo dollyof claim 19, wherein the permissive move indicator message identifieswhich of the cargo securing pins are in the retracted position causingthe permissive movement status for the cargo dolly to indicate movementof the cargo dolly is not allowed.
 21. The improved cargo dolly of claim18, wherein the external transceiver comprises a central serverassociated with a plurality of ground support equipment, wherein theimproved cargo dolly is part of the plurality of ground supportequipment.
 22. The improved cargo dolly of claim 18, wherein theexternal transceiver comprises a cargo tractor transceiver disposed on acargo tractor associated with the improved cargo dolly.
 23. The improvedcargo dolly of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of scales disposedon the dolly frame and coupled to the electronics control module, thescales detecting a weight supported by the dolly frame; wherein theelectronics control module is programmatically further operative toreceive weight change data from the scales, wherein the weight changedata indicates a change in the weight supported by the dolly frame overa period of time; determine a permissive movement status for the cargodolly based upon the weight change data; and transmit a permissive moveindicator message to an external transceiver based upon the permissivemovement status for the cargo dolly, the permissive move indicatormessage including a recommendation on allowed movement of the cargodolly based upon the weight change data.
 24. A method for sensor-basedactuation of cargo securing pins on an improved cargo dolly, the cargodolly having a dolly frame and wheels coupled to the dolly frame, themethod comprising the steps of: detecting, by a motion sensor on thecargo dolly, motion of the cargo dolly; detecting, by a proximity sensoron a side of the dolly frame, a proximity of the dolly frame to a cargoloader relative to the side of the dolly frame; determining, by anelectronics control module mounted to the dolly frame, an alignment ofthe dolly frame relative to the cargo loader based upon the detectedmotion of the cargo dolly and the proximity of the dolly frame to thecargo loader; and automatically actuating, by the electronics controlmodule, pin actuators coupled to the cargo securing pins based upon thedetermined alignment of the dolly frame relative to the cargo loader.25. The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of receiving userinput from a user input device disposed on the dolly frame; and whereinthe step of determining the alignment of the dolly frame relative to thecargo loader is based upon the detected motion of the cargo dolly, theproximity of the dolly frame to the cargo loader, and the user inputfrom the user input device, wherein the alignment indicating whether thedolly frame is proximate the cargo loader.
 26. The method of claim 25further comprising the step of receiving location information on adesired logistics point from an external transceiver.
 27. The method ofclaim 24 further comprising the steps of: receiving, by the electronicscontrol module, pin status information from the pin actuators, whereinthe pin status information reflects a position state of the cargosecuring pins indicating one of the retracted position and the deployedposition; determining, by the electronics control module, a permissivemovement status for the cargo dolly based upon the pin statusinformation; and transmitting, by the electronics control module, apermissive move indicator message to an external transceiver based uponthe permissive movement status for the cargo dolly, the permissive moveindicator message including a recommendation on allowed movement of thecargo dolly based upon the pin status information.
 28. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the external transceiver comprises a user accessdevice operated by a logistics operator of a cargo tractor associatedwith the cargo dolly.
 29. The method of claim 27, wherein the externaltransceiver comprises a central server associated with a plurality ofground support equipment, wherein the cargo dolly is part of theplurality of ground support equipment.
 30. The method of claim 24further comprising the steps of: receiving, by the electronics controlmodule, pin status information from the pin actuators, wherein the pinstatus information reflects a position state of the cargo securing pinsindicating one of the retracted position and the deployed position;receiving, by the electronics control module, connection status datafrom a connection sensor disposed on the dolly frame, wherein theconnection status data indicates when the dolly frame is detected to beconnected to external ground support equipment; determining, by theelectronics control module, a permissive movement status for the cargodolly based upon the pin status information and the connection statusdata; and transmitting, by the electronics control module, a permissivemove indicator message to an external transceiver based upon thepermissive movement status for the cargo dolly, the permissive moveindicator message including a recommendation on allowed movement of thecargo dolly based upon the pin status information and the connectionstatus data.
 31. The method of claim 24 further comprising the steps of:receiving, by the electronics control module, weight change data from aplurality of scales disposed on the dolly frame that detect a weightsupported by the dolly frame, wherein the weight change data indicates achange in the weight supported by the dolly frame over a period of time;determining, by the electronics control module, a permissive movementstatus for the cargo dolly based upon the weight change data; andtransmitting, by the electronics control module, a permissive moveindicator message to an external transceiver based upon the permissivemovement status for the cargo dolly, the permissive move indicatormessage including a recommendation on allowed movement of the cargodolly based upon the weight change data.
 32. The method of claim 24further comprising the steps of: receiving, by the electronics controlmodule, connection status data from a connection sensor disposed on thedolly frame, wherein the connection status data indicates when the dollyframe is detected to be connected to external ground support equipment;and activating, by the electronics control module, a plurality ofactuated chocks disposed on the dolly frame when the connection statusdata indicates the dolly frame is not connected to the external groundsupport equipment, the actuated chocks being operative to deploy asactivated to be proximate at least one in the set of wheels in responseto a chock signal from the electronics control module to prevent the atleast one in the set of wheels from moving.